The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2021

BECOMEAAVOLUNTEER. VOLUNTEER.APPLY APPLYATATBIRMINGHAM2022.

BIRMINGHAM2022.COM COM BECOME JUNE 2021

INSIDE FRONT

APPLY TO VOLUNTEER AT BIRMINGHAM 2022 Birmingham and the West Midlands is home to 180 nationalities – a real community of communities. It is this diversity that makes the region special, and it’s why the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will be a home Games for every nation; everyone is welcome to be part of it.

Birmingham 2022 is the biggest sporting and cultural event the West Midlands has ever seen, and 13,000 volunteers are needed to be the heartbeat of the Games.

With just over a year until the action gets underway, applications are open now to form the Commonwealth Collective, a community of passionate volunteers coming together to help deliver the biggest sporting and cultural event the West Midlands has ever seen.

There’s a role for everyone; drivers, first aiders, meet & greeters, venue preppers, kit carriers, courtside assistants, and everything in between to help keep the Games running smoothly. Most of the volunteer roles don’t

“The Commonwealth Games wouldn’t be the same without volunteers. They do everything from getting my boxing gloves that I’ve got to fight with to giving me directions.

They’re always just really kind people.”

Galal Yafai, Team England Commonwealth boxing champion, from Birmingham.

APPLY TO VOLUNTEER AT BIRMINGHAM 2022

need any experience, with all the training provided.

After a year that has taught us that we’re stronger when we pull together as a community, joining the Commonwealth Collective is an amazing opportunity to give something back, inspire a generation and be a part of something special. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn new skills, meet new people and make memories you’ll never forget.

To celebrate the opening of volunteer applications, Team England boxer and Commonwealth champion Galal Yafai took time out of his busy training schedule to give back and volunteer at the 5UP community boxing gym in Handsworth. Disguised as a volunteer, the Birmingham born boxer helped with tasks to prepare the gym before surprising a young group of aspiring boxers with a masterclass.

To volunteer for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, apply at birmingham2022.com and let’s make history together!

PROMOTING DIVERSITY FOR BIRMINGHAM COMMONWEALTH GAMES 2022

All Your Ents News SEE PAGE 17

JUNE 2021

Connecting Communities - Inspiring A New Generation

MEET THE NEW CONSUL GENERAL OF INDIA Dr Shashank Vikram is the new Consul General of India, Birmingham

A

s previous Consul General of India, Birmingham, Dr Aman Puri left the second city to take up his position in Dubai,

so too must the position in Birmingham be filled.

Dr Shashank Vikram, a medical graduate hailing from Uttar Pradesh with over 16 years of experience in the

diplomatic corps, following a period working in Overseas Indian Affairs in the Ministry of External Affairs has taken up the mantle, and is hungry to meet the people of the region he governs over.

Continued on Page 20

Loxley Roberts & Angela May

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

Page 2 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2021

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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HAS THE LABOUR PARTY LOST ITS IDENTITY AND PURPOSE? F

By Dr Tony Talburt

ollowing the departure of Jeremy Corbyn, it was always going to be a difficult job for the Labour Party to reinvent itself and perform extremely well in the various elections held in May 2021.

It should come as no real surprise, therefore, that Labour failed to impress. Where does the Party go from here?

Sir Keir Starmer, Leader of the Labour Party, conceded his party had ‘lost the trust of working people’ across England. ‘We have changed as a party, but we haven’t set out a strong enough case to the country.’

In these few simple statements, we see one of the major challenges facing the party – the fact it seems to have lost its identity and purpose.

Despite the promises by Starmer to launch a reshuffle of the hierarchy and change the party’s policies, it is not clear whether people know what the current Labour Party stands for.

l Sir Kier Starmer The elections on May 6 2021 were held for a variety of reasons and represented one of the largest elections in Britain outside of a general election.

There were contests to decide the Scottish parliament, the Welsh Senedd, 143 English councils, 13 city or city region mayors, as well as 39 police and crime commissioners, a Greater London Assembly and to elect an MP for Hartlepool.

l 10th Anniversary Wedding vector created by starline - www.freepik.com

In most of these results, apart from in Wales, London, and a few big cities, Labour failed to gain significant footing on the political landscape.

Back in the 1970s and 1980s the bulk of Labour’s support came from the working class.

The party was closely aligned with the socialist ideology.

In some areas of Britain which were originally Labour strongholds with large groups of factory or industrial workers, in mines, mills and shipyards, support for the party was never in doubt.

Many workers saw the Labour Party as an organisation or a movement which supported their concerns. They could identify with the party and its purpose.

Today’s average Labour supporter does not consists primarily of workers in the industrial heartlands of Britain.

Nor is it based on the traditional support of trade unions. According to a report in the European.co.uk (12 May 2021) even in the 1950s, the Tories were able to win elections

because they could rely on the support for significant sections of the working class.

This suggests the working class was not the exclusive support base of Labour.

As Britain’s society has changed, with a significantly smaller number of working class people, the Labour Party can no longer rely so much on this single group because the very numbers of voters in this category has significantly shrunk over the last forty years or so.

Many people in such industrial cities where Labour once relied on for votes, have shifted their allegiance because they feel deserted by the Party. The shifting results in the recent Hartlepool by-election seem to support this claim.

Labour is, therefore, caught between a rock and hard place.

Should it abandon its historic links with the working poor and embrace more support from middle classes?

If it does move in this direction, would this be a recognition of the party’s change of identify?

In the 1990s, following a period of conservative dominance in Parliament, Tony Blair famously re-positioned the party in order to win more of the middle-class voters and even broke ranks with the traditional trade union support, referring to them as ‘dinosaurs.’

Much of the hard Left socialist rhetoric was also de-emphasised.

Whilst it might not have appealed to many traditional Labour supporters, ‘New Labour’ at least found a new identity and direction. Furthermore, they went on to win successive general elections.

The problem for Starmer is the that the Labour Party must not only cover over the cracks and divisions within, but needs to launch its new identity and focus.

The party needs to ensure it aligns itself more with what the majority of people in Britain really want. For example, the people voted for Brexit, but Labour seems undecided over this issue, thereby losing many voters.

The party needs to listen more to the demands, tastes, and preferences of mainstream society, or risk remaining in the political wilderness. Just like Tony Blair in the 1990s, a ‘new Labour’ is needed which is capable of garnering more of the middle ground.

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INTRODUCING THE NEW LORD MAYOR OF BIRMINGHAM, COUNCILLOR MUHAMMAD AFZAL

T

he first Mayor Making ceremony at the Council House since 2019 saw Cllr Muhammad Afzal become Birmingham’s new Lord Mayor.

Cllr Afzal had been due to serve as Lord Mayor last year, however due to the first lockdown it was not possible to conduct the traditional mayor making ceremony, and Cllr Mohammed Azim’s term as Lord Mayor was extended as a result.

Cllr Afzal was born in Pakistan in a village near Dina and is a Science Graduate from the Punjab University.

He came to England in 1969 and settled in Birmingham with his wife Tazeem.

Since being elected as Labour Party Councillor in 1982 in Aston as the first Muslim, Pakistani Councillor on Birmingham City Council, Cllr Afzal has sat on, and chaired, many boards.

As the former Chair of the Personnel Committee, one of his major achievements from which he gained satisfaction was that he increased significantly the proportion of women, people with disability and ethnic minorities in the Council’s employment by setting recruitment targets and stringent monitoring.

Under his Leadership, the BAME workforce in the Council increased from 4% in 1992 to 35% in 2004.

Councillor Afzal was also a founding member of Birmingham Central Mosque and was involved during the construction of this Mosque as its Treasurer.

Since then, he has been serving the Mosque in different capacities including as the Secretary,

and as Chairman from 2014 to 2019. He is also a member of the Birmingham Faith Leader’s Group.

He has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for public services by former Secretary of State of Foreign Affairs, David Miliband in recognition of everything he has done for the City.

Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Muhammad Afzal, said: “By accepting this honour, I am very proud to be able to serve this great city as Lord Mayor.

“I will do my utmost to maintain Birmingham’s high profile and build on its successes, as we emerge out of lockdown and look towards the future, ensuring all Birmingham’s communities are served by their Lord Mayor.”

“My concentration will be to

The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2021 - Page 3

NEWS

Delores Cooper OD CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

try and visit those communities and organisations that have been helping people through the lockdown.

“I want to celebrate the frontline key workers who have literally put their lives on the line for region and have been doing a wonderful job,” he continued.

“Once lockdown is over I would love to have an event for them to thank them and show our appreciation.

“Now I would say please do take care of yourself, neighbours and relatives. Wear a mask, don’t take it lightly, even if you’ve been vaccinated.

The whole world is a Global City, so we all need to work together. If you’ve not been vaccinated yet and can get one, please please get one, it’s our only way out of this.”

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

Page 4 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2021

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

£1BN UK-INDIA TRADE DEALS SET TO CREATE 6,000 UK JOBS

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Chamber Launches Awards To Recognise Changing Times TWO NEW categories to reflect changing times are to be included in this year’s Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) annual awards, which will again take place on-line.

The awards, again supported by headline sponsors Birmingham City University (BCU), will be revealed on the evening of Wednesday, July 28 and are open to all businesses, including new categories for the hospitality and retail sectors and a special one for companies showing excellence in sustainability.

It will be the second year the Chamber awards have been digital because of Covid-19 restrictions but plans are already underway to return to the ICC next year for an awards night bonanza with up to 1,500 guests.

Steve Allen, president of the GBCC, said: “We are, of course, disappointed that we can’t all gather at the ICC the normal way. However, we proved last year that it is still possible to have an evening of excitement and drama on-line.

“We shall still dress up for the occasion as many of our guests and viewers did last year. And we shall be announcing shortly

the additional attractions we are arranging to make the evening go with a swing.”

The GBCC’s chief executive, Henrietta Brealey, said: “We are really looking forward to championing the local business community with our 2021 Awards. This well-loved, highprofile celebration is a brilliant platform for businesses to showcase everything they have achieved during the past year.

“Our awards reflect the major business trends of the day with the excellence in hospitality and retail award aimed at recognising those firms on the front end of pandemic restrictions.

“The sustainability award reflects another pressing issue for our time - the climate crisis - and aims to recognise businesses leading the way on addressing their environmental impact.

“The event will build on last year’s digital celebration - with a few tricks up our sleeves that we are looking forward to sharing closer to the day.

“We are delighted to once again have the support of BCU as headline sponsors and we look forward to working with them on what we know will be a fantastic celebration of the region’s business community.”

rime Minister Boris Johnson announced new trade and investment deals with India worth £1bn which includes more than £533m of new investment from India into the UK, which is expected to create about 6,000 jobs.

Downing Street said the new partnership will pave the way for a future UK-India Free Trade Agreement.

The PM said: "The economic links between our countries make our people stronger and safer."

The deal, announced ahead of a virtual meeting with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, includes a £240m investment by the Serum Institute of India, which will support clinical trials, research and possibly the manufacturing of vaccines.

Serum has already started phase one trials in the UK of a one-dose nasal vaccine for coronavirus, in partnership with Codagenix.

Indian investment deals will create 1,000 new UK jobs each at health and tech firms Infosys, HCL Technologies and Mphasis.

Some 667 UK jobs will be created at Q-Rich Creations, 500 jobs at Wipro and 465 at 12 Agro. "Each and every one of the more than 6,500 jobs we have announced today will help families and communities build back from coronavirus and boost the British and Indian economies," Mr Johnson said.

Meanwhile, British businesses have secured export deals with India worth more than £446m, which are expected to create more than 400 British jobs. They include a £200m deal involving CMR Surgical, which will create 100 new UK jobs.

The company's next-generation 'Versius' surgical robotic system - which helps surgeons perform minimal access surgery - will be rolled out to hospitals in India.

Trade between the UK and India is already worth around £23bn a year, supporting more than half a million jobs, according to the government.

Johnson added: "In the decade ahead, with the help of new partnership signed today and a comprehensive free trade agreement, we will double the value of our trading partnership with India and take the relationship between our two countries to new highs." He had been forced to cancel a planned visit to Delhi as it battles with a brutal second wave of coronavirus cases.

The visit was designed to foster closer ties between the two countries and had first been scheduled for January. It was delayed after the UK's higher wave of Covid infections over winter.

A four-day trip was scheduled for April before being cut back to just one day in Delhi, before being postponed indefinitely last month, with India subsequently added to the UK's travel ‘red list’.

Council House Refurb Opportunities Offer A PROJECT to make Birmingham’s Council House fit for the 21st century will create a range of jobs and opportunities for local people, including long-term unemployed and apprentices.

Details of the commitment were set out in the full business case for the extensive electrical works discussed by the council’s Cabinet.

The £32.5m scheme will see the Council House, the Council House extension and part of Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery undergo extensive electrical refurbishment to both modernise the building and ensure the safety of councillors, staff and visitors who use the different parts of it.

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Under the Birmingham Business Charter for Social Responsibility, contractor ISG has made a series of commitments including • To employ six local people to work on the construction phase for over 12 months • Employ a further five people who are long-term unemployed • Provide a range of apprenticeships to support young people • Use local sub-contractors and honour a ‘buy local’ commitment • 144 hours of staff hours to work with the local community (engaging with schools, offering virtual and face to face work experience)

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How Can Minority Ethnic Businesses Thrive In The Post-Pandemic ward-wInnIng Era? journalist, editor and publisher Dr Christopher with Johnson writes his monthly in The Phoenix aiming Dr Christopher column to inform, educate and entertain.

Johnson ruined a lot of things; you

A

P

erhaps this is one of the most puzzling questions occupying the minds of professionals and institutions, alike committed to diversity.

Since the introduction of Lockdown Measures in March 2020 and from January 2021 (to reduce the ‘spread’ and save the NHS), little mention was made of the significant contribution minority ethnic firms are making to the UK economy.

One report stated that companies operated and led by minority ethnic persons, contributed ‘at least £74 billion a year to the UK economy”.

Yet, despite this rare confirmation as well as the plethora of funding support available, the extent to which the effects of the pandemic has affected the ethnic firm sector, is unknown.

For example, how many owners and directors are rethinking or reconsidering their strategic and operational structural positions in light of drastic changes evident across commercial, industrial and social enterprise entities?

Is there an urgent need for a ‘change-management’ approach by enterprise leaders to manage their firms, post-pandemic?

Do state officials have the capability and capacity resource to provide appropriate advice and guidance to firms struggling to compete?

Is there any consideration being given to a revised Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) model to deal with the increasing economic, financial and social challenges ethnic companies are expected to face?

Or what if?

Anecdotal evidence from existing and would-be minority business operators in England made interesting reading, as they discussed concerns pertaining to the lack of [firm] enterprise support.

“I think this pandemic has

cannot get any support for start-ups in your local borough” (Walsall).

“I am interested in learning more about business regulations since setting up a firm in these times, is tough” (Wolverhampton).

“As printers, we have managed the Lockdown by focusing on customers though we are not entitled to government support because of the kind of industry we’re in” (North East of England).

“If I were to set up a creative business, there is no real help available for advice on compliance” (Dudley).

“I was told by the West Midlands Combined Authority to speak to the LEP people about compliance but no one couldn’t talk to me because of coronavirus” (Black Country sub-region).

“I was looking for advice around compliance and regulations for a small start-up, but I could not get anyone to speak to me” (Coventry).

In the US, at least 51% of minority firms have been affected adversely by the pandemic.

Some experts have offered relevant guidance to help companies emerge from the ravages of this virus. Such guidance includes: • Maximise funding opportunities that are on offer.

• Become a certified supplier of goods and services.

• Advertise products and services on websites in a clear manner.

• Leverage resources by accessing contract opportunities.

• Publicise the unique selling point (USP) of the firm.

• Introduce new services to your existing ones.

• Network more with other minority ethnic businesses.

• Plan methodically and systemically for the future (5-to-10-year periods).

0121 339 5885 (Birmingham)

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2021 - Page 5

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

Page 6 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2021

NEWS

98-YEAR-OLD GRANDMOTHER DOES INDOOR SPONSORED CYCLE RIDE

W Richard Loftus CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

est Hill resident, Diana O’Flynn – 98 years old, has taken up the ‘Around the Sitting Room in 80 Days’ challenge to raise funds for her beloved charity WLM (West London Mission), a charity set up by her great grandmother in 1887.

She would like those who are able to sponsor her to raise money for a great cause.

WLM has been a vehicle for change since 1887. The charity’s diverse services share a common vision of enabling transformative

change and empowering people affected by homelessness, poverty and trauma to make positive changes in their lives.

One of WLM’s six services is the WLM Kathrine Price Hughes (KPH) service, a 24hour/7 day-a-week Independent Approved Premise with capacity to house 20 ex-offenders leaving prison. At WLM Katherine Price Hughes, residents receive highlevel support during their journey in transitioning from custody to the community.

This service was set up by Diana’s great grandmother

Katherine Price Hughes back in 1887, so she wishes to honour her work by fundraising for WLM. Diana’s granddaughter, Jovie McMillan, explained: “During lockdown, my grandmother asked me to purchase her an exercise bike... not an ordinary request, but this is no ordinary grandmother.

She was used to daily walks and adventures and found the change of pace difficult to adjust to. Those who know her will not be surprised by this. She was always off doing something and usually raising money for charity along the way. This is a woman

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Logistics UK’s Fleet Engineer Conference Returns

who finds it difficult to stay still.

She asked me if there was any way of her doing a sponsored ‘bike ride’. So here we are folks, an incredible 98-year-old lady would like you to sponsor her as she cycles on the spot! Frankly doing anything close to this at 98 is a feat all by itself and deserves a few pennies.”

Diana’s aim is to cycle for at least half an hour every day until June 30. She started on Monday, April 12 and her 80-day challenge can be followed on Instagram: @aroundthesittingroomin80days.

VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY is evolving at a rapid rate and commercial vehicle engineers must keep pace to ensure their maintenance programmes are fit for the modern fleet.

To help those responsible for the maintenance of fleets of all sizes, Logistics UK’s Fleet Engineer Conference returns for 2021, taking place on 7 September 2021 at the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire.

The one-day event will provide delegates with opportunities to hear about the very latest developments in commercial vehicle technology, future vehicle design, maintenance legislation changes, and best practice advice from leading names from across the sector.

Phil Lloyd, Head of Engineering Policy at Logistics UK, comments: “Inspecting and maintaining vehicles and trailers is becoming increasingly challenging for commercial vehicle engineers as the technology continues to advance at a rapid rate.

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2021 - Page 7

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

g n i t o Prom xcellence E

CAITROINA MCCUSKER APPOINTED PWC EDUCATION LEADER

ality u q h Hig rom f e r ld ca child e years o iv f o t irth

b

As part of our ongoing commitment to promoting the positive and inspirational individuals and organisations in our communities, The Phoenix Newspaper presents Promoting Excellence - a closer look at our role models, entrepreneurs, community figures and success stories.

M

idlands based C a i t r o i n a McCusker has been appointed as the national leader for education to the government leadership team at PwC UK, and brings experience of leading some of the largest digital transformation programmes in higher education institutions (HEIs) in the UK and globally.

With over 20 years’ experience as a business transformation consultant, Cat is at the forefront of PwC’s transformation projects within government and health industries working with major organisations across education, local government, central government, and the police.

Working at a global and local level she helps HEIs to reimagine their

student and staff experience.

From aligning costs, to running and delivering large scale technology transformation programmes, Cat works with HEIs to identify and implement the right technology, people strategy and experience.

In the last year she has been supporting universities across the UK to navigate the challenges of the pandemic - from prioritising mental health and wellbeing services for staff and students, to supporting them in reimagining a new online student experience, their people agenda and realigning costs to deal with huge changes to revenue and cash flow.

Alec Cameron, vice-chancellor of Aston University - University who is working with PwC to deliver mental health training to staff and

Azets Accelerates Graduate Recruitment Drive

Day Nursery

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g Takin ns io s s i m ad now For more information or to enquire about admissions visit:

www.wigglesandgigglesdaynursery.co.uk Contact us: 4360 Waterside Centre, Birmingham Business Park, Solihull Parkway, B37 7YN 07825082937 contact@wigglesandgigglesdaynursery.co.uk

students to help normalise the access to mental health support among peer groups - said: “This past year in particular has been an exceptionally challenging time, but our Welfare Team has been working incredibly hard to meet the needs of our students.

“Working with PwC has enabled us to extend our offering, giving our academic and professional staff skills to support our students and each other in this increasingly significant aspect of university life.”

Education leader at PwC, Cat McCusker, said: “Increasing concerns are quite rightly being raised around the mental wellbeing of students enrolled in Higher Education as a result of the pandemic.”

University Students Included On First Sikh Panel At Prestigious International Event

THREE PHD students and their Director of Studies will be presenting at the 18th Annual Conference of the European Association for the Study of Religions (EASR) on their first ever Sikh studies panel.

The conference will take place in Pisa between 30 August and 3 September 2021 after being postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Narinder Kaur, Supreet Uppal and Avneet Hunjan are all students of the School of Humanities’s Centre for Sikh and Panjabi Studies.

Narinder is working towards a doctorate in Sikh musicology, Supreet is exploring Sikhs’ perceptions, attitudes and barriers in accessing professional mental well-being help, while Avneet is looking into the

relationship between alcohol and the Panjabi Sikh community.

“At this critical time in human history”, she said, “where religion and faith are questioned in moments of private and collective crisis the EASR conference this year is on the theme of resilient religion.

“For Sikhs, their way of life, Sikhi, is rooted in the spiritual devotional realm of the everyday, yet intimately expands into the politics of change and social justice.

“The inclusion of a Sikh panel to the conference offers an opportunity to share from experience, faith as an active anchoring in love and compassion that emanates into standing in global solidarity with others who speak truth to power.”

A

zets, the UK's largest regional accountancy and business advisor to SMEs, will welcome 26 graduates to offices across the Midlands between March and August 2021.

Azets has built a strong reputation for investing in the next generation of talent and its graduate and school leavers recruitment drive is a key part of its strategy to further expand its offering in the Midlands.

In the six months between March and August, four gradates have, or will, join the Azets Coventry office, with one in April and three in August.

Kai Weston, Associate with Azets Coventry, is the most recent graduate to join the top 10 accounting firm, with two more – a graduate and a school leaver – due to start in Coventry in August.

Kai said: “I am excited to join Azets at this time; as a growing company, Azets offers excellent opportunities for ongoing career development into the future. My team has been very welcoming, and I am looking forward to growing my career within the business.”

Claire Purbhoo, Partner with Azets Coventry, said: “Azets is committed to investing in people and developing talent, and our business is full of young, enthusiastic people with incredibly bright futures.”

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2021 - Page 9

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

NEW SPECIALIST CHILDREN’S W CARE HOME GETS UNDERWAY

ork at a brandnew purposebuilt residential care home for children has now started on site in Nuneaton, including four stand-alone residential care homes and associated facilities.

The £5.1 million state-of-the-art build, named The Forge, has been designed to provide a safe, secure and encouraging place for up to 20 children who are experiencing emotional and behavioural disorders or recovering from early childhood trauma.

The therapeutic facility is being developed by Nuneaton based children’s home provider Forge Care, with Rugby-based construction partner Stepnell as the main contractor and Coventry-based architects IDP. Once complete, the groundbreaking scheme will provide more than 80 jobs on site for the local area and will become a flagship scheme for Forge Care, offering the highest level of care with a strong focus on quality spaces, materials and design principals.

Gavin Miller, director at Forge Care, said: “We are excited

W

SOFT

DRINK JUST GOT EVEN

BIGGA!

   @BIGGASoda

hen we hear “BIGGA”, the term “Larger than life” comes to mind. It is a word that fills one with pride, exudes self-belief and confidence, epitomizing the Jamaican people and as such the product has often been aligned with Jamaican nationalism.

Bold, vibrant, colourful and effervescent – BIGGA Soft Drink is everything Jamaican and we have now increased the size of the packing to a 600mL, giving European consumers more vibes in every bottle. The new portfolio has something for every member of the family with a choice of five sweet or spicy flavours including Ginger Beer, Jamaica Kola, Fruit Punch, Pineapple, and Grape which are great company for any occasion or meal.

to have this flagship project underway.The Forge is a traumainformed service that evolves as a whole system underpinned by the Sanctuary Model.

Within our Therapeutic Community environment the social relationships, structure of the day and activities are all deliberately designed to facilitate learning, and develop people’s personal, social health and wellbeing”.

Regional director at Stepnell, Adrian Barnes, said: “We are really excited to be on site and get started on this fantastic scheme, and we will be adhering to strict COVID-19 and Public Health England Guidelines throughout the build to ensure that we are keeping everyone safe.”

Each of the four individual buildings at The Forge will incorporate a welcome space, main lounge, kitchen, quiet space, games, and an activity space, as well as five en-suite bedrooms on the first floor, to replicate the traditional family home layout. The residential development is expected to be completed by Christmas 2021.

Chithra Ramakrishnan CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

The product was developed by The Jamaica Drink Company – A subsidiary of The Wisynco Group Limited in 1996 and launched in the UK

by Grace Foods UK Ltd in 2013. The beverage can be found locally in multiples in the World Food sections, the Cash & Carry sector, and the Independent trade sector.

The outlook for Bigga is extremely positive.

The demand for our product has been growing steadily even with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the market, making it clear that the brand has been embraced by consumers and customers alike.

The brand looks forward to expanding its offering with more sizes, packages, and flavours for consumers to enjoy.

Find our drinks in the World Foods aisles of all leading supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide!

For more information, visit www.gracefoods.co.uk | email: info@gkco.com

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Page 10 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2021

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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MONTHLY COLUMN

GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER WITH DR TONI LUCK

FROM SOJOURNER TRUTH, TO OUR BLACK TRUTH The Dawn Of A New And Innovative Communications Tool

A

ccording to Facebook, 9 out of 10 African and African descendant people use Facebook to communicate with family and friends and 7 out of 10 use it to observe what friends and family are doing.

Facebook effectively controls our means of online communications capturing, censoring and selling our information, AfricanAmerican and African peoples.

They have the power to disconnect us at any time and to use our information and our family’s information as they see fit.

And unfortunately, Facebook has a history of mistreating the black community.

And, I have noted that this is not only a problem on Facebook, but on all of the social media platforms.

We, as a people, have always been in a vulnerable position and continuously oppressed ever since some of our ancestors were brought here during the transatlantic slave trade, and now we see even on social media.

With all that is going on in the world today, communication is vital.

Beyond the social aspects we cannot overlook just how social media was so instrumental in the

dissemination of information during all of the riots and protests caused by injustice against black people and if not for social media, there may not have been no attention brought to these injustices.

Sadly, with as much as we use social media up to now, we do not own a single global communications platform.

In these circumstances,

aside from the obvious social interaction reasons, those who intend to oppress us can shut us down in an instant.

In the world of today, where we need a voice, having our own platforms are an imperative that gives us control so that even in the event of an emergency we will not be cut off or disconnected just to benefit another group

GETTING TO THE

Heart OF THE MATTER

with Dr Toni Luck

of people.

We know that social media is a behavior modification tool used to shape our perception and unfortunately, for far too often, the media twists perception as it concerns issues that affect Africans and African descended people, and currently all of the existing platforms are owned by people that do not look like

communicate and share with other Black people.

The system is fully redundant and the data is stored on servers located in nearly 200 locations across the world on multiple networks.

Can you imagine with my BBC (Born Before Computers) self, I am so excited about this platform

learned that Our Black Truth Social was designed utilizing the same network and coding technology as all of the major platforms providing the same level of service, reliability, security and features.

Now Africans and African descended people can have discussions without being censored for speaking truth just because someone else

us or have our best interest in mind as a whole.

But not anymore, a new day is dawning. Now there is a black owned media platform, that is about to change all of that through knowledge of self and self-determination and truth.

After a year of closings, disappointments, sadness and despair, it is wonderful to report some good news.

And what great news I have for you, for me, for our world.

The first Black platform has launched.

OUR BLACK TRUTH SOCIAL is here, designed to allow Black people to

which is truly the first of its kind; created and designed by innovator/scientists, brothers, Michael and Eric Thompson.

And this amazing innovation, for us, by us, is slated to launch into the global market this springsummer of 2021.

does not like what is said.

The good news is that no demeaning, degrading, or destructive content is allowed.

I can really see that OUR BLACK TRUTH is set to be the new home of African and African-American social media users – globally.

This will surely help to raise the standard on social media because on this platform violent, hatefully or factually inaccurate content will not be permitted.

For the first time OUR BLACK TRUTH has a totally global enterprise grade solution that can rival the top social media platforms available today.

“We have been inspired to deliver a social media experience that is reflective of our people, our culture which is rooted in entrepreneurship and the creation of Black wealth.

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About Our Black Truth

Our Black Truth Social (www.ourblacktruth.com) is the brand-new social media platform designed to provide a place for Africans and African descended people around the world to communicate with family and friends in addition to receiving information from around the globe that affects us as individuals or collectively as a people.

I

“We are effectively building our own nation in cyberspace, because on this platform we make the rules and enforce them giving true meaning to the saying ‘justice is blind’ because all people will be treated equally.

“This is Our Black Truth” says Mr. Michael Thompson and Eric Thompson, CoFounders and Creators of OUR BLACK TRUTH. OUR BLACK TRUTH represents a means, not only rooted in networking, but economic development and wealth creation by its users.

Using this innovative platform allows the users to not only grow but profit on all levels of social and economic interaction.

Unlike other platforms where users can only like a post, OUR BLACK TRUTH gives users the option to leave a tip for posts or comments they find helpful, informative or entertaining.

As you can see, I am so excited as this is such an amazing platform. It’s up to us to feed our people information that is healthy with the goal of undoing the damage caused by others.

Now communication power is in our hands, what will we do with it?

USE IT, SHARE IT, LOVE IT. Please join me and get on the Truth train and download the Our Black Truth app at Google Play or the App Store.

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MUSIC FASHION FILM GADGETS HOLIDAY EDUCATION HEALTH AND FITNESS

JUNE 2021

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TALES FROM THE OCTAGON DISCOVER MORE ABOUT MICHAEL BISPING

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Additional headlining shows announced at Birmingham Hippodrome

B

i r m i n g h a m Hippodrome have announced three new productions for this Autumn with the ever-popular drag superstar Ceri Dupree’s A Star Is Torn!!! (11 Sep), family favourite What the Ladybird Heard (16-18 Sep) and the smash-hit West End comedy, The Play That Goes Wrong (26-30 Oct).

Seating for these productions will be based on a sociallydistanced model at this moment in time, subject to change depending on Government guidance closer to the performance date.

Ceri Dupree has performed almost everywhere! Throughout the UK, Europe and overseas and has impersonated almost every female star in the world at one time or another. A Star Is Torn!!! (11 Sep) features all live vocals, impersonations, stand up comedy, specially written sketches and songs… and a clever twist at the end. No two shows are ever the same as Ceri chooses up to 15 of her fabulous impressions of some of the globe’s biggest female icons.

What the Ladybird Heard (1618 Sep), the bestselling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks bursts into life

on stage featuring live music, puppetry and a whole farmyard of fun.

This 55-minute family favourite is the perfect treat!

Join the clever Ladybird as she leads the animals on their quest to save the day in this joyous stage adaptation.

The Play That Goes Wrong (26-30 Oct) is the brilliantly funny West End comedy that's guaranteed to leave audiences aching with laughter. The Cornley Drama Society are putting on a 1920s murder mystery, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong... does!

The accident-prone thespians battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call, with hilarious consequences. More exciting productions and events for 2021 will be announced soon – to be amongst the first to find out and benefit from priority booking become a Birmingham Hippodrome Friend today at birminghamhippodrome.com/ friends.

Tickets are on sale now to Birmingham Hippodrome Friends and Patron scheme members and also general sale at birminghamhippodrome.com.

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ARTIST DOCTOR TROLLER SELLS NFTS WORTH £14,500 IN UNDER 1 MINUTE ON LUNCH

A

U.K based digital artist sold an entire collection of digital artworks in under 20 seconds after it went

online.

Doctor Troller, whose real name is Andrew Brown, an artist from south London, launched his digital collection of 40 works for £380 apiece via his website and sold one of each totalling £14,500 in under 1 minute.

Andrew Brown, aka Dr Troller, a UK artist, sells digital works using Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT). NFTs are registered tokens on Ethereum’s blockchain and prove ownership of a piece of digital art.

Sales of NFTs have shot up in the past month by a digital artist called Mad Dog Jones’ who sold his Fax Machine NFT for $4.1m in March this year.

He is well known on social media platform Instagram, where his unique artistry has grown his fan base close to

900K, which generates an average of 1.6 million views for his works.

Art produced by Andrew Brown has increased in value since he launched, bringing his NFT collection to just over £228,000 in value.

Artworks, when resold, will earn the current NFTs holders 2% royalties in Ethereum when a resale has commenced. NFT copyrights are tracked mechanically via a commercial rights management company “NFT Intellect”, which monitor royalties owed to current NFT holders.

Doctor Troller, also known as Artist Andrew Brown, says: “The future of art is digital, and the lockdown has certainly sped up the transition away from physical artworks. This has been a great experience for me and should open up new opportunities for artists to be able to monetise their content outside of the traditional gallery model.”

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ENTERTAINMENT Supermodel Naomi Campbell Becomes Mother To Baby Girl

SUPERMODEL Naomi Campbell has become the mother of a baby girl. She announced the news on Instagram as she shared a picture of her hand holding the baby's feet.

She posted on the social media website: "A beautiful little blessing has chosen me to be her mother, so honoured to have this gentle soul in my life."

Her mother, Valerie Morris Campbell, also posted on Instagram: "I'm beyond thrilled as I've waited a long time to be a grandmother."

As of late last month she had yet to reveal her baby girl’s name and has not shared a photo of her face.

0121 339 5885 (Birmingham) l The Stereophonics return to Arena Birmingham on February 29th

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“Reclaim These Streets” A song for ‘Women’s Aid’

By Mandip Singh Taunque

A

n epic ensemble of 64 talented female and nonbinary artists demand to ‘Reclaim These streets’ in a post-punk 80s-vibed track which aims to raise awareness of the injustices women face every day on British streets while raising money for the charity ‘Women’s Aid’.

Written by the superbly talented Cassie Fox, musician, and founder of LOUD WOMEN, with a rap written and performed by Brix Smith, the song highlights the stark realities faced by women in today’s society.

Lyrics highlight the advice we give to mothers, daughters, sisters and friends: “Text me you when get home. Keys between your fingers. Staying close to streetlights. Fear of shadows lingers” But WHY do we have to give this advice to our friends and loved ones in this day and age? The song is a statement which simply says enough is enough. In the wake of the recent deaths of Blessing Olusegun and Sarah Everard, the song aims to raise of women’s safety and as the song says, “until every woman is safe to walk on every street”.

Brix Smith said of the project: “When I was asked to take part I said ‘absolutely!’, because when I thought

l Cassie Fox, musician and founder of LOUD WOMEN about it, not a day has gone by when I’ve not felt scared to walk down the street. And that needs to change, for all of us.”

Cassie Fox said: “I wrote this song out of rage and frustration.

Two women a week are killed by men. Refuge services are having to turn away one in two survivors of violence. And yet refuge funding has been cut by one quarter since 2010.

This is a song of feminist solidarity and hope – all women and gender non-conforming people have a right to walk safely on every street, and be

safe in their own home.”

Supporters are urged to visit www. loudwomen.org/reclaimthesestreets to buy/stream the song and donate to the Women’s Aid appeal. A live performance of the song is planned at LOUD WOMEN Fest, on 18 Sept 2021 at London’s 229 Portland Street venue. Full info and tickets at www. loudwomen.org/fest If you have a story you think our readers would be interested in please contact Mandip Taunque at mandip. taunque@thephoenixnewspaper.com

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The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2021 - Page 15

ENTERTAINMENT

BILLIE EILISH ANNOUNCES HAPPIER THAN EVER, THE WORLD TOUR

F

ollowing the release of her latest single ‘Your Power,’ and ahead of the July 30 release of her forthcoming album ‘Happier Than Ever,’ Billie Eilish has announced the first leg of her Happier Than Ever, The World Tour, set to commence in February 2022.

Starting February 3 in New Orleans, the 32-date North American arena run will be making stops across North America, before heading across the Atlantic for an 18-date arena tour across Europe and the United Kingdom, starting June 3.

To ensure tickets get in to the hands of fans, the tour has partnered with Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan platform in North

America.

The seven-time GRAMMY Award winning artist and songwriter has also confirmed she will be continuing her work with sustainability partner REVERB for her Happier Than Ever, The World Tour, with the fan-facing Billie Eilish Action Village at each show which will focus on climate action and climate justice, hosting and supporting BIPOC and womenled environmental organizations as well as a comprehensive program via REVERB’s forthcoming Music Climate Revolution campaign.

In addition to reducing the tour’s environmental footprint, the initiative will support projects that directly and measurably eliminate

greenhouse gases.

These collective efforts will make the tour Climate Positive; eliminating significantly more emissions than the tour creates.

2021 has already been quite the year for 19-year-old Eilish whose latest single ‘Your Power’ debuted at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100, logging more than 150 Million streams in the first two weeks of release.

Earlier this year, she took home two additional GRAMMY Awards; Record of the Year for “everything i wanted,” and Best Song Written For Visual Media for her James Bond song “No Time To Die.”

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Kimberley Chen Joins AmPm For Collaboration Single AMPM, the Japanese masked production duo who debuted to global acclaim with their March 2017 single ‘Best Part of Us feat.

Michael Kaneko’, have released their latest track: ‘Afterglow (feat.

Kimberley Chen).’

‘Afterglow’ is a collaboration with Kimberley Chen, the Taiwanbased star singer who originally hails from Melbourne, Australia.

It is a breezy summer tune with a refreshing dance-pop melody, bursting with love for that special someone.

A video was also released today – AmPm’s first ever fulllength animated music video. The visuals match the song’s dreamy vibe, a bright and positive video that follows a young woman who enjoys fashion and dating as she

spends time with her boo. Look out for hidden illustrations of AmPm that pop up from time to time.

Kimberley said: “This experience has been so special. I feel so honored to be invited to collaborate with AmPm. During tough times supporting each other through music is something that my soul needed. Thanks to everyone that help made this happen! And I’m looking forward to finally meeting in person :)” AmPm added: “This project came to life after we approached Kimberley to collaborate with us, and it’s a song that truly conveys her personality. We also think this dance is perfect for the coming season, so we hope you’ll put on headphones or earphones and turn up the volume.”

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Michael

New Pop Art Exhibition Celebrates The Reopening Of Wolverhampton Art Gallery

T

o celebrate the reopening of the Wolverhampton Art Gallery, visitors are now able to see ‘Fantasy Pop,’ a new exhibition of works from the gallery’s renowned collection, which highlights elements of fantasy found in Pop Art. Another new exhibition, ‘Fantasy or Reality?’ draws on the strong collection of artworks and objects from around the world to explore the connections between art and fantasy.

Both shows are forerunners for our family summer exhibition ‘BRICKLIVE Fantasy Kingdom,’ which runs from July 3 until September 5, featuring life-sized models of mythical creatures, knights and

wizards.

A special feature within the gallery is ‘The Wall of Heroes,’ a mural created by staff from The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust to celebrate International Year of the Nurse and Midwives 2020. Visitors also have another chance to see Stellar: Stars of our Contemporary Collection, on until June 20, The [Spaces] In-between, on until May 23 and ‘Windrush Generation Experiences Online’, on until June 4.

City of Wolverhampton Council Director of Regeneration, Richard Lawrence, said: “The team at Wolverhampton Art Gallery has done a fantastic job in making art accessible to all during lockdown and like them I am delighted we are able to open

thephoenixnewspaper.com

again.

“There is still a chance to see a number of fantastic exhibitions that unfortunately had to close early, but we also have a number of new and exciting exhibitions that visitors can see. In line with the Government guidance a number of social distancing measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of staff and visitors as residents’ safety is paramount in everything we do.

“I do hope residents will take this opportunity to indulge in art again and explore the collection and touring exhibitions as we look forward to the year ahead.”

Throughout 2021 there are a number of exciting developments at Wolverhampton Art Gallery that will improve the visitor experience.

T

he reaction to the recent announcement for ‘An Evening With Michael Bisping: Tales From The Octagon’ has been huge, with supporters of the UFC Hall of Fame fighter and former Middleweight Champion eager to hear his incredible story in his own words.

Such is the demand, Michael Bisping has now added another city to his UK tour, with a show at the

Hear More Fr British UFC

Birmingham O2 Academy on the 7th October.

His journey has taken him from England’s North West through to the top of the MMA world, becoming the only British champion in UFC history.

Alongside a burgeoning Hollywood movie career, the latest chapter in his life sees Michael host a hugely successful podcast, as well as a commentating for ESPN, BT Sports and formerly Fox Sports.

From fighting stories to life outside the ring, his unwavering drive and determination will make for an inspirational and entertaining evening for all UFC and sport fans alike.

Opening for the night will be comedian and Believe You Me cohost, Luis J Gomez.

“After the success of my first one man show in Toronto in 2019, I am coming home to England,” said Michael.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2021 - Page 17

Patron To

l Bisping

rom The Only C Champion

The Phoenix Newspaper Countdown To The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Celebrating All Things Commonwealth

Page 18 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2021

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Commonwealth Launches New Ocean Funding Database

THE COMMONWEALTH Secretariat has launched an online database to help member countries be aware of and access more than US$170 million of international funding available for ocean-related projects.

Accompanying this new web tool is a handbook containing valuable guidance on how to navigate the database, as well as match and pitch projects to the most suitable funders.

Both the website and handbook were designed specifically to support the work of the Commonwealth Blue Charter, a historic commitment made in 2018 by all 54 Commonwealth member nations to work actively together to solve ocean challenges.

Welcoming the initiative, the Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral Patricia Scotland said: “Despite the central role of the ocean in our natural ecosystems, climate systems, economies and cultures, funding for ocean

conservation is equivalent to less than one percent of global philanthropy, and an even smaller fraction of foreign aid.

“The Commonwealth Blue Charter Ocean Funders Database represents a major step forward for ocean action in the Commonwealth, which aims to support member countries to navigate the funding that is currently available internationally, understand the goals, criteria, and application processes for different prospective funders, and develop successful multilateral partnerships for greater ocean action.”

Under the Commonwealth Blue Charter, countries collaborate through voluntary ‘action groups’ on 10 key ocean issues: marine plastic pollution, coral reef protection, mangrove restoration, climate change, ocean acidification, ocean observation, marine protected areas, sustainable aquaculture, sustainable coastal fisheries and the sustainable blue economy.

INVESTOUR 2021 FOCUSES ON AFRICAN TOURISM T he importance of unlocking the potential of investments for growing African tourism was highlighted as leaders from across the sector met virtually for the 2021 edition of Investour.

Held during the FITUR International Tourism Trade Fair, the 12th edition of the Forum for Tourism Investment and Business (Investour) united government representatives alongside experts from international organizations and from the private sector. Once

again, the event was co-organized

by Casa Africa, FITUR and the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), building on the latter’s 2030 Agenda for Africa.

This year, the focus was on the importance of promoting sustainable investments to help the sector recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the agenda were the role of public-private partnerships, building resilience, and promoting innovation at every step of the broad tourism value chain.

A roundtable discussion on

“Revitalizing Tourism PostCOVID-19”, explored ways to identify and reach new markets and develop new tourism products.

Contributing were Mouhamed Faouzou, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Tourism and Air Transport of Senegal, Dr. Alfonso Vegara, Founder and President of Fundación Metrópoli, and Alberto Virella Gomes, Ambassador-atLarge for the Africa Plan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Senegal.

This was followed by a series of investment webinars led

by UNWTO experts, with a

WWW.CDEMA.ORG/LA-SOUFRIERE

special focus on sustainability and capacity development. In a message to the Investor delegates, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili stressed the importance of governmentinitiated Ease of Doing Business reforms and invited delegates to join UNWTO for its 64th Commission for Africa and the 2nd UNWTO Global Tourism Investment Forum in Africa, both to be held in Cabo Verde this September.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2021 - Page 19

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KING G MALL K BREAKING MORE WORLD RECORDS

ing G Mall Dhol Blasters has been included by World Book of Records Gold Edition as the world's first, oldest and biggest male/ female combo Dhol team Now going for over 30-years, founder and leader of the Birmingham-based outfit, Gurcharan Mall B.E.M., CEO, along with his team, was acknowledged with the world record certificate of inclusion, which was presented by Shri Virendra Sharma, the Labour Member of Parliament for Southall, in England.

Destined to protect, develop and keep the Punjabi culture strong and alive, King G Mall’s The Dhol Blasters (True Roots and Colours of Punjab) take pride in their ethnic music and culture, which they want to share with the rest of the world.

The organisation has released more than nine albums, for some they have received Platinum and Gold discs.

They have also won many awards. for performances in the UK, America, India, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Norway, Germany, Holland, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain and Malaysia. Amongst their array of recognitions include the ‘Lifetime Contribution to Music Award’ at The Phoenix Gala Awards and the International Performing Artist “PRIDE of Punjab Award.

On being recognised with the honour, King G Mall Dhol Blasters was congratulated

by Shri Virendra Sharma, Dr Diwakar Sukul (Chair of the World Book of Records, London), Shri Santosh Shukla (President, World Book of Records) and other dignitaries from the international scene.

Page 20 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2021

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ON YOUR MARKS SUPPLEMENT - STRENGTH OF BIRMINGHAM

STRENGTH OF BIRMINGHAM Continued from Front Page

Born in the small industrial city of Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, Dr Vikram had a good childhood.

“There were lots of things to do in the city, largely non-digital,” laughed Dr Vikram.

“It was very different to growing up nowadays!”

Deciding that he wanted to become a Doctor, Shashank attended GSVM Medical College in Kanpur in 1996, completing his MBBS in 2022.

“While I was in college, I got to see more of the world and meet different people across different cities in India,” explained Dr Vikram.

“It made me realise that there was a lot of scope and potential in doing public service as India is the second most populous country, and there would always be a need for enthusiastic and driven people to work in these public systems.”

After taking the Civil Services Exam, an exam open only to graduates, but to all graduates regardless of their field of study, and passing, Dr Vikram chose the Diplomatic Service in 2004.

“Since then I’ve been a diplomat travelling across the world serving my country wherever I’m required to.”

His first international posting was in Lisbon, Portugal, looking after Commercial affairs, trade and commerce for 1 and a half years. “It was a lovely city,” Dr Vikram reminisced, “and I had

INTRODUCING THE NEW INDIAN CONSUL GENERAL the opportunity to study at the Uni of Lisbon for my Portuguese Diploma.”

Dr Vikram’s next appointment was in Brazil lasting about 3 and a half years, continuing with trade and commerce, but adding cultural affairs, politic affairs and the general administration of the embassy. “That position gave me lots of experience and many positive memories, it was a beautiful country.”

Back in India, he worked in the Ministry of External Affairs looking after the relationships between India and Pakistan, before moving back to his home state of Uttar Pradesh working at a provincial level.

“I was the Managing Director of

UP State Tourism Development Corporation, and Special Secretary of Health for nearly 3 years, before being posted to Durban, South Africa.”

“There is a very large Indian diaspora in Durban due to Indians first coming over 150 years ago to work in agricultural fields, and the relationship between India and South Africa has always been very close and friendly for many years.”

Before coming to Birmingham, Dr Vikram was working in the Ministry of External Affairs dealing with Overseas Indian Affairs looking after the issues of the non-resident Indians abroad.

Now Consul General here, he is looking at the subjects related to

India and the UK for the Midlands and North of England.

His wife and family have followed him throughout his appointments since they married in 2005.

“Birmingham was chosen for me by the Government, but it was also a place that I asked for, as it’s a very interesting region during a very interesting time. We have a sizeable number of people of Indian descent here.”

The Midlands and North of England have large industrial bases, and Dr Vikram sees many options to strengthen the trade and commercial relationships between the two countries.

“It’s also very important to understand different cultures so we want to organise a lot of cultural activities to promote better cultural understanding between the two

societies, especially as there are a very large number of Indian students coming to the UK.” Dr Vikram said that Indian Companies were employing more than 116,000 people in this country, and paying taxes of around £40-60 million.

Similarly there are many UK companies in India doing the same over there.

“There is also a very large segment of people working in the NHS come from India and it is a source of great pride that they are contributing so positively to society over here.”

If there is anything that you want to know about India, or any questions or queries

about anything to do with India, Dr Vikram stressed “Please don’t hesitate to get in touch, we would be more than happy to share the information with you.”

In his spare time, Dr Vikram likes to ride his bicycle, walk, and read. “My kids are growing up now, so we’ve been playing a lot of Basketball too, I started learning from them after they were taught it at school, and now we have a hoop up in our garden!”

“I am really looking forward to working with all of the communities, especially those of Indian origin. I appreciate the contribution of the India Diaspora to strengthening the UK/India relationship.”

So when you see Dr Vikram at an event in the future, now you know a bit more about the man behind the title, and make sure you say hello!

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MARK WALTERS IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF PIONEER ANDREW WATSON

A

documentary in which former Rangers Aston Villa and Liverpool player Mark Walters looks back at the racism he received playing for the club is out as the former England international uncovers Black footballing pioneer Andrew Watson, who captained Scotland in 1881.

In the documentary Mark looks back at his career with the Glasgow club to assess the racism

he faced while playing for them.

Watching harrowing footage of his early matches, he vividly describes the visceral atmosphere as he was targeted by opposition fans.

In a candid conversation with Graeme Souness, the playermanager who brought him to Ibrox, Mark reveals the inner resilience that got him through those tough games and reflects on the role unconscious bias in TV commentary has on how Black

footballers are perceived today.

The son of a former Nigerian international, ex-England international, Mark, also finds out about early Black footballing pioneers in Scotland, including an early multi-racial football team who played a stone's throw from Rangers’ Ibrox stadium.

He unearths the incredible story of Andrew Watson, the world’s first Black international player, who captained the Scotland national team in 1881 to its

greatest ever win over England.

Watson was a complex figure who was both the descendant of slaves and the beneficiary of slavery. Mark asks how Andrew overcame racism to be welcomed into the footballing elite in the 1880s.

Already broadcasted on BBC Scotland, Mark Walters In the Footsteps of Andrew Watson is available on iPlayer.

CSM Live Appointed As Official Provider Of Look, Wayfinding & Signage For Birmingham 2022 CSM LIVE, the branding and live experience division of CSM Sport and Entertainment, has been appointed as the Official Provider of Look, Wayfinding and Signage for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Following a competitive tender process, CSM Live will be responsible for scoping, producing, installing and derigging all elements of venue dressing at competition and noncompetition venues.

This remit includes the Look and Feel, field of play branding, wayfinding and information signage, sponsor recognition, media treatments and Host City dressing, applying relevant experience from previous

multi-sport events including the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

In line with Birmingham 2022’s sustainability pledge, which includes plans to deliver the first ever carbon-neutral Commonwealth Games, CSM Live will work to design and provide an entirely sustainable solution, maximising the reuse of the hardware with the aspiration that none of the produced materials goes to waste after the Games.

CSM Live has also committed to work with local companies, suppliers and staff on the programme with a target to procure over 65% of its requirements locally, in order to deliver tangible benefits to

the business community in the region.

Working alongside the Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee, venue scoping will begin immediately, with production due to commence in the early stages of next year.

CSM Live will also engage with local students on the design process for the Wayfinding and Signage programme.

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will see athletes from 72 nations and territories compete in 19 sports across 14 competition venues from 28 July until 8 August 2022. The event is expected to have a global TV audience of 1.5 billion and attract more than one million spectators.

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PM ‘Troubled’ Over Commonwealth War Graves Racism PRIME MINISTER Boris Johnson said that he was troubled by failures to properly commemorate Black and Asian troops who died fighting for the Empire during World War One as some troops were commemorated collectively or their names were recorded in registers.

Their white counterparts, on the other hand, were given headstones to commemorate their participance.

After the findings of the review by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the PM offered an unreserved apology, saying: "Our shared duty is to honour and remember all those, wherever they lived and whatever their background, who laid down their lives for our freedoms at the moment of greatest peril."

Also apologising in the Commons was Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, who pledged to take action over the affair.

Expressing regret, he said: "On behalf of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the government both of the time and today, I want to apologise for the failures to live up to their founding principles all those years ago and express deep regret that it has taken so long to rectify the situation.

"Whilst we can't change the past, we can make amends and take action." He said that there were examples of officials employing an "overarching imperial ideology connected to racial and religious differences" in order to "divide the dead and treat them unequally in ways that were impossible in Europe".

Mr Wallace said the Commonwealth War Graves Commission will now: • search in the historical record for inequalities in commemoration and act on what is found • renew its commitment to equality in commemoration by building physical or digital commemorative structures • use its online presence and wider education activities to reach out to all the communities of the former British Empire touched by the two world wars to make sure their hidden history is brought to life • and, over the next six months, assemble a global and diverse community of experts to help make this happen The Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which is tasked with commemorating those who died in the two world wars, has also apologised over its findings.

Giles Stanford, Director, Global Events at CSM Live, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Birmingham 2022 as we seek to deliver a sustainable, innovative and carbon-friendly Commonwealth Games.

“We have a strong pedigree in providing sustainable branding solutions for major events and combined with the expertise of the local business community, we hope to deliver a spectacular event for all those involved.”

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South Africa On The Brink Of A Radical Re-Think About The Future Of Its Wildlife

I

nternational wildlife charity, the Born Free Foundation, believes a report on lions, rhinos, elephants and leopards signals the end of globally condemned practice of canned lion hunting.

South Africa’s Environment Minister Barbara Creecy, spelled out a new direction for

the country and its efforts to conserve some of the world’s most iconic species.

Based on the conclusions of the 600-page High Level Panel Report which took on board wide stakeholder evidence and the views of national and international experts, including Born Free, who participated in the 2018 Parliamentary

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

Colloquium on lion farming, the Ministerial Statement sets out a road map for change in the years ahead.

Will Travers OBE, co-founder and Executive President at Born Free, said:“South Africa may be standing on the verge of a new, more wildlife-friendly future.”

Head of Policy Dr Mark Jones added “We applaud the Panel and the Minister for seeking to draw a line under an issue that has for so long blighted South Africa’s reputation.”

There are an estimated 300 lion-breeding facilities in South Africa holding perhaps 10,000 captive-bred lions. Minister Creecy stated: “The High-Level Panel identified that the captive lion breeding industry poses risks to the sustainability of wild lion conservation resulting from the negative impact on ecotourism, which funds lion conservation and conservation more broadly, the negative impact on the authentic wild hunting industry, and the risk that trade in lion parts poses to stimulating poaching and illegal trade”.

The use of leopard skins for religious and cultural purposes makes leopard hunting a complex matter to resolve.

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HOMETOWN H UNVEILED AHE BIRMINGHAM

14

l Haseebah Abdullah, Windmill Boxing Gym Coach ‘Hometown Heroes’ have been unveiled by Birmingham 2022 ahead of next year’s Commonwealth Games in a campaign celebrating and recognising the diversity of the of the UK’s second city and the wider West Midlands.

Made up of coaches, managers, umpires and fundraisers, who have dedicated their lives to grassroots sport in the region, each ‘Hometown Hero’ will be profiled on the Birmingham 2022’s website and social media platforms and will receive a special glass award to mark their achievement.

Amongst those chosen is boxing coach Haseebah Abdullah, who coaches at Windmill Boxing Gym in Smethwick, who was chosen for developing female participation in the sport. is honoured for developing female participation in the sport, having also played a huge role in changing official dress code rules to allow women to wear a headscarf and full-length clothing.

Also honoured are Naseem Akhtar, who has spent more than 20 years

encouraging thousands of women in inner city Birmingham to transform their lives through physical activity.

Having played a huge role in changing official dress code rules to allow women to wear a headscarf and full-length clothing, she set-up

The Young Sahelis, a club for girls aged 14 to 25, as well as the Saheli running and cycling clubs.

“It feels absolutely amazing to have been selected as a Hometown Hero,” she said, “My aim has always been to provide a service, a home, a safe

l Kevin Dillon, Head Coach at Lions Amateur Boxing Club

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HEROES EAD OF 2022 haven and a platform for equality in my sport and community.”

“The people of Birmingham and the wider West Midlands are one of our greatest strengths,” explained Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council.

“The dedication and effort that these Hometown Heroes have put into making their communities a better place through sporting activity is truly inspirational.

“They capture the essence of what the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games are all about.

We want to inspire people to get involved and by celebrating what the Hometown Heroes are doing can only help us achieve that.”

Kevin Dillon is head coach at Lions Amateur Boxing Club in Brierley Hill. He is recognised for his work despite being visually-impaired having contracted meningitis as a child.

He launched a podcast called ‘Black Country Blokes’, which covers the struggles and successes that men experience, with topics such as mental and physical health, fitness, work and family life, aiming to remove the stigma around taboo subjects.

Birmingham 2022 chief executive Ian Reid said: “I'm in awe of our 14 Hometown Heroes.

“Their generosity to their club, whether that's giving up their time or just being a listening ear, is inspiring.

Shining the spotlight on these devoted individuals will no doubt encourage participation in sport and physical activity across the West Midlands.”

The other Hometown Heroes include: Salma Bi (coach, umpire and fundraiser, and director of Sporting Pathways, Birmingham), Jeevan Chagger (chairman, coach and umpire at City of Birmingham Hockey Club), Ricardo D’Alva (coach at City of Birmingham Rockets Basketball Club), Kirsty Davie (team manager and coach at Birmingham Moseley Women’s RFC), Dave Heeley (runner and charity fundraiser, West Bromwich), Joan Hunter (coach at University of Birmingham Netball Club), Steve Mroso (coach and team manager at Team Birmingham Elite Basketball Club), Yasmin Nessa (co-founder of Saltley Stallions Women’s Football Club), Kevin Redmond (coach at Solihull Moors FC Ability

Counts), Sarah Scanlon (umpire at Ernesford Grange Netball Club, Coventry) and Ranjit Singh (coach at Wolverhampton Wrestling Club).

Nigel Huddleston, Minister for Sport and Tourism, said: “These Hometown Heroes represent the West Midlands at its very best.

Their dedication to grassroots sport is inspiring and I am delighted this is being recognised by Birmingham 2022.”

Matt Windle, professional boxer and former Birmingham Poet Laureate, said: “I know how important it is to be surrounded by supportive people - those that will always have your best interests at

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Northern Ireland – A Century of Existence

heart - when it comes to training at a local club. A coach that champions the players will also be providing a place where people can come together, feel safe, build friendships, and gain an appreciation for healthy discipline. The Birmingham 2022 Hometown Heroes are the type of people that set up the pitch in the pouring rain or are a shoulder to cry on when you didn’t win your competition – and without these – grassroots sport just wouldn’t be the same. It was my absolute pleasure to dedicate a spoken word poem to these 14 individuals - they are fully deserving of this recognition.”

l Joan Hunter (coach at University of Birmingham Netball Club)

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I

t is 100 years since the creation of Northern Ireland. And it is an anniversary that is seen in different ways by differing people following the historic decision to divide up the island of Ireland.

Marking the occasion in history, UK Prime Minster Boris Johnson is planning a series of events including a special postmark, the

planting of tree and a centenary concert. But the deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neill has said that there is nothing to celebrate.

As a divided nation, the Catholic community do not want Northern Ireland to be governed as part of the UK – rather seeing the island of Ireland return to being all one country which governs itself.

Contrary to that, the unionist

Protestant community want Northern Ireland to maintain a British identity and remain as part of the UK. Following centuries of division on the island of Ireland, it was from 1969 that 30 years of conflict in Northern Ireland known as 'The Troubles' saw more than three thousand people die in ongoing conflicts until a peace agreement, known as the Good Friday Agreement, was signed in 1998 which largely brought an end to the violence.

Many Unionists are unhappy that the Brexit deal, however, has created different trade rules for Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK, saying it undermines their British identify.

The UK government is to spend £3m on events marking the centenary of Northern Ireland with images of 1972 Olympic gold medal winner Lady Mary Peters and 1995 Nobel Prize for Literature winner Seamus Heaney to feature in branding for Our Story in the Making: NI Beyond 100. The government has also announced the creation of a Shared History Fund, making £1m available to support events connected to the centenary run by community, heritage, voluntary and other non-profit organisations.

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CHOGM ‘21 Postponed HIS EXCELLENCY Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, and Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral, The Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland QC, have announced the postponement of CHOGM 2021 (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting) as a result of the continuing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Having reviewed all available evidence and risk assessments including with the World Health Organization (WHO) and their risk assessment tool, and after close consultation between the Commonwealth Secretariat and Member States, the decision has been made to postpone the CHOGM in Kigali for a second time.

Speaking on the postponement, President Kagame said: “The decision to postpone CHOGM for a second time has not been taken lightly. The health and welfare of all Commonwealth citizens at this critical time must take precedence. We look forward to welcoming the Commonwealth family to Kigali for CHOGM at the appropriate time.”

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COVENTRY WELCOMES ALL AS THE UK CITY OF CULTURE 2021 A rtists were kept busy transforming the centre of Coventry ahead of its year as City of Culture 2021 - the yearlong cultural programme that started yesterday.

With organisers having faced huge challenges – due to the Covid pandemic - hopes that events can help rejuvenate the arts sector remain the driving force as street art transformed the West Midlands city ahead of its year in spotlight.

While the year will embrace and celebrate its history, the focus of ‘Coventry Move’ will be on how the city sees itself moving forward with a celebration of dance, music, art and cultural activities to bring the city into the spotlight and show-off its importance of a leading city in the UK with a programme that will draw in all

corners of the city and beyond.

Creative Director, Chenine Bhathena said: “The city is transforming around us and I think it will be really important to build pride for people here, and to be able to show off on a national stage, to help people understand the city as it is now.

“After Covid, the City of Culture is more important than ever. I think in a lot of cities around the UK where there’s a huge amount of history, people do look back a lot, and that’s great, but there’s also a need to understand and celebrate the role the city will play in the future of the

world.”

A city where movement began - as all eyes are on the city, Coventry is looking forward to welcoming the world to share its culture.

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CITY RETAINS FAIRTRADE STATUS FOR 17TH YEAR RUNNING

W

olverhampton has retained its Fairtrade City status for a 17th successive year.

Achieving Fairtrade City status is recognition of Wolverhampton's ongoing commitment to supporting Fairtrade and using licensed products with the Fairtrade Mark.

The city received notification of the accolade from the Fairtrade Foundation in recognition of the achievements and hard work of Wolverhampton City Fairtrade Partnership over the last few years.

The Fairtrade Foundation cited the efforts made by the Partnership to engage with people through workplaces, schools, places of worship and local community organisations, the

The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2021 - Page 25

ON YOUR MARKS SUPPLEMENT continued promotion of Fairtrade products and the support of local businesses and the city’s Mayor, Councillor Claire Darke. They were particularly impressed with the number of people who have been reached through the work of the Partnership, despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mayor Councillor Darke said: “Achieving Fairtrade City status is an amazing success, with Wolverhampton now having held this recognition for 17 years running. The accolade is testament to the dedication of the Wolverhampton City Fairtrade Partnership, local residents and Fairtrade supporters. I congratulate everyone involved.”

Barbara Gwinnett, Chair of Wolverhampton City Fairtrade Partnership, added: “We’re delighted to mark the 17th year of

the city’s Fairtrade status with its renewal this year.

“In 2019 we demonstrated that we were firmly established in the city, promoting Fairtrade across a range of organisations and agencies and holding talks and events each month. In March 2020 we had to cease outward facing activities due to the coronavirus pandemic, but carried on with our meetings online and held an online presentation during Fairtrade Fortnight 2021.

“During this period, Partnership members have worked with and support the work of the Wolverhampton Fairtraid shop as they have found innovative ways to continue to sell Fairtrade items to their customers. We look forward to picking up links and moving forward once the current pandemic restrictions are lifted.”

‘Crash Class’ Starts Firearms Education And Safety Lessons POPULAR TELEVISION host and educator Kezel Jackson is partnering with The Firearms Training Institute Ltd directors Towfeek Ali and Nyree Alfonso to promote public education regarding the safe use and handling of firearms.

Trinidad & Tobago-based Jackson is the presenter and driving force behind ‘Crash Class’, a weekly TV show which is aired regionally in T&T, Barbados and Antigua & Barbuda and delivers valuable information to the masses on a variety of subject matters such as Law, Medicine, Social Sciences and History in an entertaining, relatable and engaging manner.

Its partnership with The Firearms Training Institute Ltd is seeking to promote education rather than ignorance.

Regarding the importance of firearms education and the motivation behind this collaboration, Kezel stated, “Guns are extremely dangerous if mishandled, both intentionally and unintentionally.

If members of the public have the opportunity to buy them, then they should have the opportunity

to be educated and trained.

Perhaps, it would better serve our citizens to be more well-informed about guns in general.”

The Firearms Training Institute Ltd director Mr. Towfeek Ali echoed Kezel’s sentiments saying, “We hope to build meaningful understanding of the lawful and safe use of firearms, including proper handling and secure storage.”

His co-director Nyree Alfonso shared, “There is a negative perception and stigma surrounding guns, as there is with the ownership of them.

“Legal ownership of firearms should not be feared or be taboo to law-abiding citizens. The real issue which is of national concern is the influx of illegal weaponry which has found its way into the hands of the criminal element.”

All parties emphasized that more awareness, training and education are needed and view this partnership as an imperative tool in achieving these objectives.

These weekly firearms education and safety features will be viewable on upcoming episodes of Crash Class.

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COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES TARGET INCLUSIVE SHIFT TO CLEAN ENERGY

T

he Second Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Forum concluded with strong recommendations for member countries to work together to fast-track an inclusive, just and equitable transition to low-carbon energy systems across the Commonwealth.

The biennial gathering, held virtually, explored practical solutions to help meet global commitments on energy made under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Participants discussed new low-carbon technologies, addressing the high cost of technology and need for better

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access to finance, as well as policy recommendations that promote sustainability in the electricity, transport, cooling and cooking sectors.

Opening at the event, Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral Patricia Scotland said: “We must urgently step up our action to implement the Paris Agreement and achieve our commitments on sustainable energy. While the transition pathways may differ across Commonwealth countries, the move to clean energy systems is a common goal.

“The pace of the energy transition needs urgent acceleration for which strong political will and ambition

by Commonwealth member countries is required.

Governments need to establish the enabling frameworks to attract finance, scale up technology and lower costs for energy transitions.” She encouraged a “people-centred” approach that is inclusive and leaves no one behind.

Countries were invited to lead ‘action groups’ focused on three key pillars, which make up the Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition agenda: Inclusive Energy Transitions; Technology and Innovation; and Enabling Frameworks.

Countries also called for

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more collaboration on sharing knowledge, technologies and innovative solutions, including best practices on research, development and deployment of clean energy technologies in critical sectors, such as clean cooking and cooling.

The event featured presentations by experts in the field as well as indepth country presentations from Australia, Barbados, Botswana, Canada, Ghana, Kenya, Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom. While discussions showed various countries are at different stages of the transitioning to using sustainable forms of energy, there was a consensus about its critical importance and learning from the experiences of other members.

Delegates further acknowledged the challenges linked to energy transition, especially for economies that depend heavily on fossil fuels as a key source of income.

Outcomes of the forum meeting will feed into Commonwealth contributions to the United Nations High Level Dialogue on Energy scheduled for September 2021, the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP 26 in November 2021 and the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

Crash Class Commences Firearms Education And Safety POPULAR TELEVISION host and educator Kezel Jackson is partnering with The Firearms Training Institute Ltd directors Towfeek Ali and Nyree Alfonso to promote public education regarding the safe use and handling of firearms.

Trinidad & Tobago-based Jackson is the presenter and driving force behind ‘Crash Class’, a weekly TV show which is aired regionally in T&T, Barbados and Antigua & Barbuda and delivers valuable information to the masses on a variety of subject matters such as Law, Medicine, Social Sciences and History in an entertaining, relatable and engaging manner.

Its partnership with The Firearms Training Institute Ltd is seeking to promote education rather than ignorance.

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Baby Genius Defying All As He Is Too Bright For School

Caribbean Travel Marketplace Offers Post-Pandemic Look At The Region CARIBBEAN TRAVEL Marketplace, which rans virtually this year, offered buyers from around the world a chance to refresh their portfolios as they prepare for the post-COVID-19 revival of travel and tourism.

Vanessa Ledesma, acting CEO and Director General of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), which hosted the annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace, said that this year’s edition featured buyers looking for properties and experiences that meet the needs of post-pandemic travellers, many of whom will be vaccinated.

“As a result of the pandemic, businesses have had time to reappraise their properties and governments have evaluated their destinations, making changes to reflect the new realities of the tourism sector,” said Ledesma, adding that “this was the perfect opportunity for buyers to learn of these changes, adjust their own approaches and ensure their packages are up-to-date and appealing.”

The association executive noted that a diverse group of buyers signed up from Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Canada, France, India, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States.

JAMAICA ANNOUNCE LIFTING OF UK TRAVEL ARRIVALS BAN

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amaica is set to lift the travel ban on arrivals from the UK following the success of the vaccination programme in the UK. It follows the country’s decision to ban UK arrivals due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The country will now have to wait to see if it receives the ‘green’ status under the UK government’s new traffic light system that will be used to restart international travel.

Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett, said: “On May 1, Jamaica reopened its borders to international visitors from the United Kingdom. This enabled the critical gateways of Heathrow and Gatwick airports to have transit for passengers coming through and who are fully compliant with health and safety protocols required for international travel.

“Jamaica’s position at this time is critical in relation to

the opening up of the summer tourist season and, in fact, the importance of enabling the diaspora, particularly the strong British clientele that have always come to the island. The lifting of the ban is also against the background of the improved vaccination programme in the UK.” The Caribbean island reopened its borders in June 2020 to international arrivals and has received around 1.5 million

visitors since then who have gone through “robust” health and safety protocols.

Bartlett added: “The opening of the borders is important in the context of not just Jamaica’s tourism but Caribbean tourism too, as so many of these countries benefit from transiting through Jamaica for British and European nationals.”

FROM THE DAY he was born, Soul-Heart was introduced to educational programmes, the likes of which was years ahead for even school children, and, in some circumstances, some people much older.

By the time he was three, the Jamaican-born ‘child-genius’ was wowing teachers, advanced learned educators, and his parents, when he was set reading tasks as well as reciting the times-table up to multiples of 20.

Both tasks he was able to do, fluently. Thereafter, when set another specific task, he was able to solve a series of mathematics problems – again, with great ease.

Overwhelmed by her child genius son, Soul-Heart’s mother, Kimberley Francis, said: "As a baby he was never interested in playing with toys regular baby games.

“At seven-months-old, he couldn't speak, but he was able to identify any word put in front of him." His father, Dwayne Stewart, said he was told that Soul-Heart has HFA (High Functioning Autism) - a term applied to people with autism who are deemed to be cognitively higher functioning with an IQ of 70 or greater than other people with autism - which causes him to perform exceptionally well.

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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Michael

Hear More Fr British UFC

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ENTERTAINMENT

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

www.streetcredmagazine.com www.streetcredmagazine.com

l Bisping

rom The Only C Champion “So join me as I take you through the highs and lows of my fight career, sharing many unheard stories and insight into the fascinating sport of Mixed Martial Arts, which I expect will leave you laughing your head off while also being inspired to conceive, believe and achieve.

“From my early days of working in a slaughterhouse, living in my car and all the way up to winning the middleweight world title in the UFC to retiring nearly blind, I have quite the story to tell.”

When working numerous dead-end jobs to make ends meet whilst all the time training in boxing, kickboxing and Jiu Jitsu, Michael realised he had the potential to be a worldclass fighter and doing so would be his best opportunity to provide for his family.

He rededicated himself to this craft. Michael eventually went on to win The Ultimate Fighter 3 in 2006, kick-starting his professional career, and ten years later in 2016 at UFC 199, he became the first British fighter to become a UFC Champion.

After an incredible 13 year career, which included the loss of his right eye, Michael became a UFC analyst with BT Sport and ESPN, named FanSided MMA’s 2019 Analyst of the Year and

authored Sunday Times Best Seller Quitter’s Never Win. He’s the host of the ‘Believe You Me’ podcast and has launched a successful acting career, having been featured in xXx Return of Xander Cage, Den of Thieves and announcing his latest roles in Den of Thieves 2 and the lead in the upcoming film titled The Journeyman.

His documentary titled ‘Bisping’ is also coming out in 2021.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2021 - Page 29

ENTERTAINMENT

A Unique Touch Provided

By Amy’s Elegant Nails

O

ne of best nail salons in Birmingham, Amy’s Elegant Nails creates a veritably relaxing, laid-back atmosphere - because people who visit there go because of Amy. Originally one of two (there was an Amy’s Elegant Nails in Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands, but now she (Amy) concentrates all of her efforts on her one salon, Perry Barr, in Birmingham.

Treating all people; from 4–97, people travel from far and wide, from Coventry, Wolverhampton, Solihull and everywhere in between and, of course, because of where it is situated - in the Market Village, in Perry Barr’s 1-Stop shopping centre.

Whilst other nail bars and salons would be identified by an often generic identity, people go there, to Amy’s Elegant Nails, because they want to see her… they want to see Amy Vo, and be pampered by Amy Vo. “Male and female dancers, security guards and sports people come here for treatment,” she says, “because, due to their jobs, they regularly look after their feet - as they are, quite regularly,

on them for long periods.

“They know that coming here they get that ‘unique touch’ that is unparalleled by other nail salon, anywhere else.”

Doing nails, and a wider array of treatments, which include; acrylic or gel nails, extension glitter or in-fill glitter tips, shellac full sets with colour, classic full French manicure, spa pedicures, nail removals, cutdowns and shapes, eyelashes, smiling diamonds, as well as providing that ‘personal touch’ - by offering each of her clients a cup of tea, coffee, soft drinks or water.

Because of the all-round service always on offer, repeat appointments of children, women and men sees them going back regularly - and they feel they don’t have to visit any other salon because Amy’s’ is their ‘home’.

With a range which has been developed to deliver healthy manicures and pedicures, with no compromise on colour, Amy’s Elegant Nails provides a unique touch – at each and every visit.

Make-sure you treat yourself to a tip-top manicure and pedicure by Amy herself.

l Amy Vo hard at work

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ENTERTAINMENT MOTORS

New All-Electric Fiat 500 Picks Up Duo Of Trophies THE FULLY-ELECTRIC New Fiat 500 continues to grow from strength to strength, picking up another duo of awards.

This time, the all-new city car is celebrating being named Best Small Car and overall Car of The Year in the inaugural Electrifying awards.

Judges praised the car for its unrivalled range and affordability, while the retro chic design also helped the New 500 secure its silverware.

Made up of multiple trim levels – La Prima, Action, Passion and Icon – the New 500 range was also recognised as having a model to suit most budgets in Electfying. com’s review of the New 500.

The New 500 is the first fullyelectric vehicle from Fiat and provides a raft of best-in-class features such as Autonomous Driving (ADAS) technologies, a variety of battery options and a substantial driving range of up to 199 miles – the longest range of any electric city car on the market today.

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GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED TO CELEBRATE LOTUS

G

oodwood has announced that the Central Feature at the 2021 Festival of Speed presented

by Mastercard will celebrate Lotus.

The iconic Norfolk brand is best known for its pioneering road and race cars, including the spectacular all-electric Evija hypercar.

From the first sculpture in 1997 to the present day, the Goodwood Festival of Speed has become known for its creative and daring Central Features, which celebrate the greatest achievements of a different manufacturer or

milestone each year through art.

Lotus was last selected as the Central Feature marque in 2012, with a 3D infinity loop sculpture that celebrated the singularity of purpose of a Lotus race car.

However, this year’s sculpture will take an exciting new and immersive direction.

It is being created using an entirely new design philosophy; while the sculpture itself is guaranteed to be just as visually stunning as previous years, it is also set to be more interactive and accessible for those joining from home.

This new approach aligns perfectly with Lotus’ development of innovative

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technology and its engineeringled approach to design and manufacturing, as well as complementing the long and often intertwined histories of Goodwood and Lotus.

Among the many records broken by Lotus, the Type 25 still holds Goodwood Motor Circuit’s period lap record.

In the course of winning the last ever Formula 1 race at Goodwood, on Easter Monday 1965, Jim Clark in a Lotus 25 tied for fastest lap with Jackie Stewart, in a time of 1m 20.4.

The record stands as a tribute to the skill and bravery of the drivers and to the passion for lightweight engineering and

innovation that thrives at Lotus to this day.

At this year’s event, Lotus will give a public dynamic debut to the Emira, its all-new and eagerly anticipated sports car.

Developed as part of the ongoing transformation of Lotus which has captured the imagination of car enthusiasts worldwide, the Emira will set new standards of technology, comfort, functionality and everyday useability for Lotus.

It goes into production later this year at an all-new manufacturing facility at Hethel, Norfolk – the home of Lotus since 1966.

Ducati Confirms Its Commitment To Promoting Diversity And Inclusivity IN MAY, the European Union celebrates the Diversity Month with the aim of raising community awareness on the importance of diversity and inclusion.

At Ducati, the work environment is increasingly enriched by women and men of different generations, each with their own background, talent, origin, sexual and religious orientation, who all together contribute to creating an innovative, dynamic and productive context.

As a result the "Diversity & Inclusion" path has been defined which, by placing people at the centre, values gender parity and equal treatment, emphasizes language and inclusive actions and enhances diversity as a strategic lever and a real opportunity.

Confirming its commitment to promoting diversity and heterogeneity and creating an inclusive professional environment, Ducati began by involving all members of the Board of Management and company executives with a course entitled "Unconscious bias training", and then extend it to all employees.

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DEBUT FOR MAYA WEUG AT PAUL RICARD

Rolls-Royce To Support Local Young People Who Dare To Dream

ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Cars is supporting Dare to Dream, an inspirational programme that gives young people workplace experiences and opportunities to help them fulfil their potential.

Students from local schools and colleges will spend time working alongside colleagues from the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, who will act as mentors.

Dare to Dream has been created by the LoveLocalJobs Foundation, a community interest company (CIC) that brings together schools and leading local employers.

Based around themes of selfawareness, mindset, gratitude, resilience, teamwork and employability, the programme aims to motivate young people and give them vital life skills to prepare them for their future careers.

The Programme Lead is Jack ‘The Lad’ Hayes, a familiar name to many people locally as the host of the Heart Sussex breakfast show for over 15 years.

Hayes brings his experience of struggling at school and finding his own direction in life to his new role.

Rolls-Royce has taken part in other LoveLocalJobs initiatives,

including Be The Change, as part of its long-term commitment to creating opportunities and developing talent among local young people. In 2020, despite the pandemic, the company accepted 18 new entrants onto its award-winning Apprenticeship Programme, including a record number of Degree Apprenticeship candidates.

The company also offers work placements for over 100 university students annually and runs a highly-regarded graduate programme.

“We are delighted to support Dare to Dream, a fantastic initiative that aims to transform how young people perceive themselves and give them the mindset, techniques and resilience to thrive in the world of work,” explained Mark Adams, Director of Human Resources, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

“As a company, we have always recognised the fundamental importance of supporting, encouraging and nurturing young people: their skills, talents and personal qualities will shape organisations and the wider economy in the years ahead.

“We see it as a great privilege to have this opportunity to inspire greatness in them as they set out on their life’s journey.”

MOTORS

I

talian racing team Iron Lynx will propel a young racer on her first step towards single-seater glory this weekend, as she competes in her first ever car race.

Dutch-Spanish driver Maya Weug is 16 years old and having triumphed in last year’s “FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars”

programme, has become the first girl to join the prestigious Ferrari Driver Academy.

Having previously raced in karts, Maya joins the Iron Lynx squad in Italian Formula 4 with teammates Leonardo Fornaroli, who has been setting fastest times in pre-season testing, and Pietro Armanni, another promising Iron Lynx debutant. The opening three

races take place at the Paul Ricard circuit in the south of France across Saturday and Sunday.

Maya also joins the Iron Dames, an initiative led by Deborah Mayer, which supports women in motorsport, and is the perfect environment to nurture new talents. As well as Formula 4, the Iron Dames race Ferrari GT cars in the World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC), European Le Mans Series (ELMS), 24 Hours of Le Mans, Michelin Le Mans Cup and Ferrari Challenge Europe.

Also this weekend, Iron Dames Rahel Frey, Michelle Gatting and Manuela Gostner are competing a Ferrari 488 GTE Evo in the four-hour second round of the ELMS at Red Bull Ring in Austria, where team-mates Claudio Schiavoni, Giorgio Sernagiotto, Paolo Ruberti, Miguel Molina, Matteo Cressoni and Rino Mastronardi will also be hoping to build on Iron Lynx’s impressive showing last time out

in Barcelona, where the #80 car took the LMGTE class win.

Speaking about the weekend ahead, Iron Dames founder and accomplished racer Deborah Mayer said, “Maya’s first race this weekend is a very significant step for the Iron Dames, for the Ferrari Driver Academy and for the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission.

“We welcome her to the team and wish her every success, meanwhile we thank all our followers for their support as we take six Iron Lynx racing cars into the weekend”.

Both racing series offer viewers the opportunity to watch live online, while both Iron Lynx and Iron Dames can be followed on Facebook and Instagram.

Racing with Ferrari at iconic circuits all around Europe, Iron Lynx’s season continues to inspire and engage as the team looks ahead to further success in the weeks and months ahead.

Staycation Nation: Two Thirds Of Brits Plan To Take UK Break This Year WITH RULES around international travel still uncertain but hospitality opening up even further from today, Brits are seeking out new ways to get their holiday fix as they plan ‘staycations’ around the UK. Research by Auto Trader, the UK’s largest digital automotive marketplace, has revealed that almost two thirds (62%) of people

are planning to holiday in the UK this year, bringing a much-welcomed boost to the British hospitality sector. Country escapes have proved most popular, being the choice of two fifths (42%) of holidaymakers, followed by a third (33%) hoping for a beach getaway.

Since lockdown, Auto Trader has seen accelerated growth in page visits for

wheeled accommodation, with visits up 148% YoY for motorhomes and 117% for caravans – making staycations the likely choice for many. However, this has prompted fears of major traffic jams and queues on the roads during peak holiday season as the nation’s staycationers disperse across the UK in droves.

Over half (53%) of people said they’ll be holidaying with their family this year, seeing staycations as a chance to reconnect with loved ones after long periods apart. Motorhomes and caravans safely offer the chance to reunite, as separate households can park over two metres apart and enjoy time outside together.

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Constructed by Lightpost Theatre Company at The REP

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ightpost Theatre Company, formed to address the effects of racism, discrimination, negative self image, invisibility and mental health of young black men through theatre, brought their newest production to the REP, as the UK opens back up for such performances to be enjoyed by larger groups.

Exploring the culture of working class black men in Britain, Constructed unpicks the challenges that face manual workers, both on site and at home, and asks if anything can be built properly when

the foundations are faulty.

The cast performed incredibly well, with James Nicholson as site owner Marlon, and Jerome Scott as Rodney delivering memorable performances, and Orion Martin as Bill alongside Cory McClane as Davies giving the lighter notes to the performance, which were gratefully received.

The depiction of Rodney’s current mental health with the overlapping voices, questions and lights, while he desperately tried to respond to all of it while getting more and more distressed was both difficult to watch and also incredibly powerful, props

to Jerome for this performance.

The story flows well, giving you enough time to get to know and feel for the different characters, and they all feel well rounded, a tribute to CJ Webley’s writing and co-direction.

There was an interesting movement piece that showed the idea of working on the building site through dance, but it felt a little shoehorned into the play, adding nothing to the overall story.

Overall Constructed was a great performance from a very talented cast, and spells great things for the future of Lightpost Theatre.

Media Star Adil Ray OBE Announced As Patron Of New Film School ACTOR, COMEDIAN, radio and television presenter Adil Ray OBE has become the first Patron of Screen and Film School Birmingham.

It's due to open in September and said he was being recognised for his contributions to film, television, the arts and his passion for diversity.

Best known for starring in the BBC hit comedy Citizen Khan, which he created and co-wrote, the Birmingham-born star will be introducing the Adil Ray OBE Scholarship worth £30,000 and implementing a Fair Access Fund to ensure students are supported during their studies to create a level playing field of equality of opportunity.

He said: "I want families to know that things are changing in the industry and that a career in film and television is possible; even if you haven't been reflected on-screen while growing up, it is achievable."

With his other notable roles include the hit Channel 4 drama series Ackley Bridge, Blithe Spirit with Judi Dench, as well as hosting Have I Got News for You, starring in hit Channel 4 drama series Ackley Bridge, Blithe Spirit with Judi Dench, and more recently being a guest presenter on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, as a Patron, Adil is recognised for his contributions to film, television, the arts and his passion for diversity.

He added: “I am incredibly proud to be a Patron of the Screen and Film School Birmingham.

“This school is an incredible asset to the Midlands. I want to

help students find their voices and instil in them the self-belief and motivation needed for a successful career.

“We share a passion for helping shape a new generation of filmmakers, enabling diverse young creative minds to flourish.

“I want families to know that things are changing in the industry and that a career in film and television is possible; even if you haven’t been reflected on-screen while growing up, it is achievable.

“Screen and Film School Birmingham is on my doorstep, so I’m expecting to be involved as much as I can.” Screen and Film School Birmingham are hosting a number of Open Days before September.

Prospective students will get to attend workshops with lecturers and graduates, learn more about the courses and ask the career teams about how studying at Screen and Film School can help them forge a career in the film, television and screen industry.

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ENTERTAINMENT

ASSEMBLY FESTIVAL GARDEN TO BE CREATED DURING CITY OF CULTURE CELEBRATIONS

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new 1,000-seat venue will be created on a derelict plot in Coventry for music, comedy and arts performances.

The Assembly Festival Garden, near the council house in the city centre, will also include a smaller 180-seat tent and an outdoor venue, said organisers. Event group Assembly Festival, involved with Edinburgh Festival Fringe for 40 years, will run the Coventry hub.

The space will be the centrepiece for events from July 1 to mid-October, said Coventry City of Culture Trust. Coventry's year as UK City of Culture officially launched with thousands of people tuning

David Clarke DL in to watch a short film posted on the festival website.

Its signature event Coventry Moves was originally due to coincide with the launch, but was moved to June 5 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Performances at the Assembly Festival Garden, on the site of the demolished former Civic Centre buildings, will take place in the Queen of Flanders double-decker Spiegeltent. Local food outlets and a box office will also be there.

Cabaret, circus events, comedy and children's shows will form part of the programme. The old buildings were demolished and the site cleared by owner

Coventry University for development. It has handed over the space for free during the festival.

The culture trust said that trees and lighting will transform the space into one with a family-friendly festival vibe.

Tickets are set to go on sale for the first major event at the end of May. The site will eventually be home to Coventry University's new hub for academic and research facilities as well as public spaces for the wider community.

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

Willow Smith Opens Up About Being Polyamorous

WILLOW SMITH has revealed she is polyamorous.

The 20-year-old confirmed her relationship status on American talk show Red Table Talk which she hosts alongside her mum Jada Pinkett-Smith

and grandmother Adrienne BanfieldNorrison. Polyamory is where those involved agree it is fine for everyone to be open to or have more than one romantic partner.

Willow said she couldn't see herself wanting to go past two partners.

"With polyamory, I feel like the main foundation is the freedom to be able to create a relationship style that works for you and not just stepping into monogamy because that's what everyone around you says is the right thing to do," she said.

"Also, doing research into polyamory," she added, "the main reason why divorces happen is infidelity." In the TV interview, Willow's grandma says it feels like it's 'really all just about sex' which Willow denies saying: "In my friend group, I'm the only polyamorous person, and I have the least sex out of all of my friends." Willow's mum, Jada, told her daughter she was happy with whatever choices she wants to make.

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Mini Medics and Midlands Air Ambulance Fly To Birmingham City Centre

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Paz Heer

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

mergency resources, including a team of mini medics and a LEGO Midlands Air Ambulance, flew into the LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre in Birmingham, but it was a mission like no other...

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, which celebrates 30 years of operating its lifesaving service, made a rare landing on the top of Grand Central – not the actual building, but the Birmingham Legoland Discovery Centre’s Miniland version to mark the charity’s milestone anniversary. Miniland is an impressive interactive city built from over 1.5 million bricks which showcases many of the notable landmarks of the Midlands including The Bullring, Grand Central, Spaghetti Junction, Warwick Castle and now one of the charity’s lifesaving helicopters.

The branded LEGO helicopter was added as a result of a new corporate partnership between the lifesaving charity and Merlin Entertainments Group Ltd, parent company of the LegolandDiscovery Centres.

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Now that the centre is open to the public again guests are being encouraged to visit the centre and see the helicopter, complete with moving rotors, in the impressive

LEGO Miniland.

Pam Hodgetts, corporate partnerships manager for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “Having our very

own branded LEGO helicopter added to the Discovery Centre’s cityscape of Birmingham is an honour.

“Being supported by Merlin

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Entertainments in this fun way will mean we can expand on the engagement work we have already been doing to raise awareness of our lifesaving work to local children and young people.”

Hannah Carr, Legoland Discovery Centre Birmingham’s guest experience manager for Merlin Entertainments Group added: “It is an absolute privilege to work alongside and support a fantastic charity which does such amazing work within the Midlands. The LEGO Midlands Air Ambulance makes a great addition to Miniland and we hope that it will help the charity in their mission to raise awareness of their lifesaving work.”

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Max Mosley

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he ex-British racing driver, who ran motorsport’s world governing body the FIA was a privacy campaigner. He served three terms as president.

He also campaigned for tighter press regulation after winning £60,000 damages from the News of the World when it wrongly published a story alleging he had attended a Nazi-themed orgy. As FIA president, he led widespread reforms of safety procedures in Formula 1 following the death of Ayrton Senna in 1994.

Born in London, the son of 1930s British fascist leader Sir Oswald Mosley studied physics at Oxford, later turning to law to become a barrister. After a brief career as a racing driver in Formula 2, he cofounded the racing car constructor March in 1970.

He introduced a series of changes to the cars, setting in motion a new approach whereby the safety of the drivers and spectators was central to the ethos of motorsport.

Attempts were made to constantly improve it.

He died age 81.

The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2021 - Page 35

OBITUARIES

Subhadra Sen Gupta

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orn in Delhi, she won the Sahitya Akademi’s 2015 Bal Sahitya Puraskar.

Writing over 30 books – one of which ‘Mystery of the House of Pigeons’, was adapted into a television series for Doordarshan as Khoj Khazana Khojher - most of her books are in the genres of historical fiction and non-fiction.

She also wrote travelogues, comic strips and detective and ghost stories.

Her works include Goodbye Pasha Begum! from The Puffin Book of Spooky Ghost Stories,

Bishnu - The Dhobi Singer and A Mauryan Adventure. The Secret Diary of the World’s Worst Cook is part of a book series, World’s Worst, written in the diary format. This series also includes The Secret Diary of the World’s Worst Cook. A Flag, A Song And a Pinch of Salt features 19 freedom fighters of India and their inspiring stories.

Her 2015 book, A Children’s History of India, was about the history of India written for children over the age of 10 years.

She died of COVID-19.

Nick Kamen

Alan McLoughlin

Augustine Willock

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he former Republic of Ireland midfield footballer and coach played as a midfielder for Southampton, Aston Villa, Swindon Town and Portsmouth (where, in 2011, he was the Senior Academy Coach).

His most notable moment was scoring the equaliser against Northern Ireland in Belfast that qualified the Republic for the 1994

FIFA World Cup. Born in Manchester, he attended Catholic school Saint Mark’s, in the same year as former Oasis guitarist and singer Noel Gallagher.

He was diagnosed with a kidney tumour in 2012 and had a successful operation. However, he later died of cancer in the kidneys, chest wall and lungs.

He was aged 54.

T

he model and singer was best known for appearing in a 1985 Levi’s advert filmed in a launderette.

Born Ivor Neville Kamen, he rose to fame in the jeans commercial, where he stripped down to his boxer shorts as several women looked on. The advert, soundtracked by Marvin Gaye’s I Heard It Through The Grapevine, helped to boost the company’s denim sales and made him a sex symbol in the process.

His music career peaked with

Samuel E. Wright

Doreen Lofthouse

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ver the past 30 years, the Fisherman’s Friends tycoon, who transformed cough sweet brand, and her family have given tens of millions of pounds to fund community projects in the town of Fleetwood, in the UK. Transforming the famous lozenge into a household name, her entrepreneurial spirit saw the small family business become a global brand when she took it over in 1963.

Awarded an OBE for her charity work, set up ‘The Lofthouse

Foundation’ to fund community projects including improvements to the town’s promenade, Mount Pavilion, playgrounds and hospital.

In 2019, she set aside £30 million to help fund future community projects in her seaside town.

Fisherman’s Friend now produces more than five billion lozenges annually in the Fleetwood factory and is sold in more than 100 countries around the world.

She was 91.

a top five hit Each Time You Break My Heart, co-written by Madonna. His follow-up track, a cover of the Four Tops’ hit Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever, peaked at number 16 in the UK singles chart but reached No.1 in Italy.

He topped the charts again in Italy with 1988’s Tell Me, to which Madonna again provided backing vocals, and got to number one in Austria and Sweden with 1990’s I Promised Myself.

Born in Harlow, he is understood to have died after a long illness.He was 59.

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orn in Camden, South Carolina, the US actor Samuel E Wright, best known for voicing Sebastian the crab in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, sang the 1989 animation’s Oscar-winning song Under The Sea and went on to play Mufasa in the original Broadway production of The Lion King.

Disney marked the actor’s death with a billboard tribute at The Lion King musical’s original New York home. Other roles included jazz star Dizzy Gillespie in Clint

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Eastwood’s Bird.

Part of the original Broadway cast of Jesus Christ Superstar in 1971, he replaced Ben Vereen in the musical Pippin and received a Tony nomination in 1984 for the musical The Tap Dance Kid. A second Tony nomination followed in 1998 for his role as King Mufasa in The Lion King, the stage version of Disney’s 1994 film.

He died at his home in Walden, New York after a three-year battle with prostate cancer. He was 74.

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ith the full regalia of booming African Drummers and flagbearers from TNCMC (The National Caribbean Monument Charity) present, to highlight the overwhelming standing he had – whilst serving in the British Army, and, subsequently, on ‘Civvy Street,’ in the legal profession.

Under the auspice of Ministers Pat Brown-Richards and Jasmine Brown, the grief was palpable as those who said their final goodbye gathered to see off one of the community’s finest at St. Mary’s & St. Ambrose Church.

A father of Darren, Damien, Leah and Cherelle, Dexter and Arron, grandfather, and former soldier, the cricket-lover was generous to a ‘Tee’ – with a very big heart.

A learned gentleman, he was Executive Committee Member of the Society of Black Lawyers and also a mentor. He was a ‘mansman’ who was always loyal and strived for perfection.

He was also central in arranging the heralded visit to Birmingham of famed US lawyer, Jonny Cochran – who represented O.J.

Simpson in the US trial.

A diabetic, he was forever loved and cared for by his family and hordes of friends, wherever he was and whoever he touched – from Africa to America, he left an impression in the hearts of people he came in contact with.

Tough, but very kind, he was the kind of guy who would invite himself to dinner, at a friend or family, bring the ingrediencies and cook a grand meal for all present – that’s the hosts and himself.

Never afraid to speak of injustices, he was always willing to take on any challenges – headon – at any level. He was always a ‘giving’ person – whether it was his time, or his expertise and, above all, he never said “no” to any challenge.

An opiniated, personable man, who was strong of character and stronger of will, it was left for Minister Jasmine to tell the dearly departed Gus; “When you are at the Pearly Gates, please don’t argue with St. Peter.”

Recently embracing the Word of God, an interesting and fulfilling debate that must have been!

“A life cut too short…” Gus was 67.

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WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE

INDIGENOUS MAORI APPOINTED AS NEW GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF NEW ZEALAND

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n indigenous New Zealand woman was recently appointed as the country’s Governor-General.

And, following the historical appointment in taking up her position, Childrens advocate Dame Cindy Kiro said she hopes to inspire native Māori girls after becoming the first Indigenous woman appointed to the role.

Her five-year term begins in October, when she will replace Patsy Reddy. Both women have been given the honorific ‘Dame’ for their services to the community.

Born in Whangārei, and the eldest child of six, she is of Māori and English descent, affliliating with Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Kahu, and Ngāti Hine iwi.

Currently Chief Executive of the Royal Society, a non-profit group which advocates for research, she was previously the nation's

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Children's Commissioner and has held leadership roles at several universities.

Dame Cindy said she grew up in humble circumstances and her career had been driven by a sense of the importance of service.

She also said that her mixed Maori and British heritage helped give her a good understanding of New Zealand history and the Treaty of Waitangi, the founding document signed by Māori and British.

She was appointed New Zealand's Children's Commissioner in 2003 and served in this role until 2008.

While in this role she established the Taskforce for Action on Family Violence that included many government department chief executives, and people from areas such as the police, Family Courts, and Māori and Pacific Island representatives.

The passing of the Crimes (Substituted Section 59) Amendment Act 2007 during her tenure attracted considerable public and media interest Kiro supported and advocated for the repeal of Section 59 of the Crimes Act, which

provided a legal justification for using force against children.

Dame Cindy returned to academia, working as an associate professor at Massey University and heading that institution's School of Public Health.

In 2013 she took a position as head of Te Kura Māori at the School of Education at Victoria University of Wellington. She went on to serve as the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Māori) at the University of Auckland.

Before she was announced as governor-general designate, she was the Ahorangi Chief Executive of the Royal Society Te Apārangi and was previously the Children's Commissioner, head of the School of Public Health at Massey University, head of Te Kura Māori at Victoria University of Wellington and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Māori) of the University of Auckland.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced she had picked Kiri for the largely ceremonial role as Queen Elizabeth II’s representative, and that the queen had approved. “Over many decades, Dame Cindy has

demonstrated her passion for the wellbeing of children and young people, as well as education and learning," Ardern said.

Under New Zealand's constitutional system, the British monarch remains the nation's head of state although doesn't wield any real day-to-day power.

Dame Cindy Kiro says she hopes to inspire Maori girls after becoming the first Indigenous woman appointed as New Zealand's Governor-General. Shortly after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made the announcement, Dame Cindy reflected on her own poor upbringing, and her journey, saying: "I really hope it is seen as a positive thing, you can reach the very top, and remember not only Māori and a woman, but pōhara, very poor, from a humble background.

“It truly is incredible standing here with this opportunity, and I hope young Māori girls, no matter where they come from in life, and all girls, take some inspiration from that."

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The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2021 - Page 37

UK FAITH LEADERS SUPPORT QUEEN’S GREEN CANOPY

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aith Leaders from across the UK, led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby, are urging faith communities to plant trees in honour of Her Majesty’s lifetime of service to the nation, through The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative which was recently launched.

In a special video message, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the leaders from the Buddhist Society, the Interfaith Council for Wales, Al-Khoei Foundation, Nishkam Centre, the Church of Scotland, the United Hebrew Congregations of Great Britain and the Commonwealth, the Hindu Council UK, the Moravian Church of Northern Ireland, and the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board, encouraged people to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee” in 2022.

The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) initiative is a unique, UK-wide tree planting initiative

reated to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is Patron of the QGC and planted a tree in the grounds of Windsor Castle with Her Majesty earlier in the year to mark the start of the project.

Everyone from individuals to Scout and Girlguiding groups, villages, cities, counties, schools and corporates will be encouraged to plant trees from October 2021 when the tree planting season begins, through to the end of the Jubilee year in 2022. The countdown to planting season begins now, giving people time to plan their planting projects.

As well as inviting the planting of new trees, The Queen’s Green Canopy will highlight and showcase 70 irreplaceable Ancient Woodlands across the United Kingdom and identify 70 Ancient Trees to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service.

The QGC project will also create

a pilot training programme for unemployed young people aged between 16-24 through Capel Manor College, London’s only specialist environmental college of which The Queen Mother was Patron, to plant and manage

trees.

The Faith Leaders in their message to the interfaith community urged everyone to get involved with the QGC and highlighted the benefits of trees and green spaces for

communities, mental health and the importance of creating a legacy that will benefit future generations. The Queen’s Green Canopy was launched at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Virtual Chelsea event.

AZUZA STREET

Shaun Wallace

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

Nishkam Centre Director Receives Vaccination From Distinguished West Midlands Fire Fighters

AS LEADERS from across the nation stepped forward to take the vaccination and encourage communities to take theirs, the Nishkam Centre Director, Amrick Singh joined them having been invited to take the jab.

He was invited as part of the latest cohort to have the vaccination and wanted to encourage all those getting the invite to attend their appointments.

On receiving the his, Amrick said: “It is an honour to see the great work the NHS and other volunteers at the Nishkam Vaccination Centre in Birmingham were undertaking as part of the global drive to combat Covid-19.

“In all humility it is important to recognise and accept we are very lucky to have access to the vaccination and should take the opportunity when

offered.

“I encourage all those who feel hesitant to take the vaccine, to get the facts; speak to experts and dispel your concerns. We are privileged to have the NHS providing the services we get.

“The pandemic has also shown the power of community and faith organisation to step up to help in the fight against Covid. In recent months we have seen places of worship, community settings, football clubs all step up and offer their premises, staff and volunteers to combat Covid-19.

“This is a great partnership initiative between the NHS and the Nishkam Health Care team and further uplifting to see the collaboration further strengthened by volunteers from the West Midlands Fire Service.”

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING

£10,000 Grant Available For Healthy Heart Projects

l Project Funding COMMUNITY GROUPS in Central England and the Midlands that help local people look after their hearts can now apply for a regional grant up to £10,000, thanks to national charity Heart Research UK and the Subway brand.

The Heart Research UK and Subway Healthy Heart Grant is available for new and innovative projects that promote healthy hearts and reduce the risk of heart disease in the community.

Projects should deliver health initiatives such as cooking skills and healthy eating and should encourage people to get more active and promote positive mental wellbeing.

The £10,000 has been raised locally in Subway stores throughout the region. Previous grantees in the region have included Ecobirmingham, who offer cycling sessions to men over 40.

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SEAN FLETCHER BACKS WALK TOGETHER FUNDRAISER

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ountryfile presenter and walking enthusiast Sean Fletcher is inviting people from all over the UK to sign up for Bowel Cancer UK’s Walk Together fundraiser, to help support the charity’s vital services and lifesaving research.

Walk Together is a sponsored five-mile walk taking place around the country on June 12 to show support for those undergoing treatment, remember loved ones, and help stop people dying of bowel cancer in the future.

Supporters can walk five miles at their own pace in their local area, with their household or within small socially distanced groups. Those who are unable to do the walk on June 12 can complete it any time throughout June to suit them.

Sean has recorded a video for Bowel Cancer UK, in which he shares how he loves to visit local parks and walk along the River Thames in London. He adds that

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l Sean Fletcher

his favourite place to walk is Wales, where he recently visited Offa’s Dyke Path for ITV series Wonders of the Border.

He says: “My mum sadly died of bowel cancer when she was only 54, which had a huge impact on my life. Bowel cancer is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer, but it shouldn’t be as it’s treatable and curable, especially when diagnosed early.

“Walking can be sociable or solitary, and can increase fitness without being too strenuous. As a proud patron of Bowel Cancer UK, I’d love you to join me in supporting Walk Together by organising your own memorable event.”

Luke Squires, Director of Fundraising at Bowel Cancer UK, says: “We’re really grateful to everyone who is supporting Walk Together this June, and to Sean for sharing the places he

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loves to walk.

"Whether you're a seasoned hiker or leisurely stroller, put on your walking shoes and walk five miles in a small group, with friends or family, or simply tread your own path this June.

“Everyone taking part will be walking together across the UK to raise money to help people affected by bowel cancer.”

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with someone diagnosed with the disease every 15 minutes.

Bowel Cancer UK’s vision is a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer but we can’t achieve this alone. The money raised from Walk Together will help stop people dying of bowel cancer by funding the charity’s vital services and lifesaving research. In 2020, hundreds of our supporters took part in Walk Together across the country and raised over £150,000.

RESPONDING to the Kings Fund’s calls for a public inquiry into the pandemic, Dr Katherine Henderson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), said: “While there are lessons to be learned from the pandemic, the most immediate threat we are facing is hospitals and emergency departments being under-prepared and under-resourced as we potentially face a further wave of Covid late in the summer and another possible gruelling winter with seasonal flu.

“The health service is facing challenges on many fronts: an exhausted and depleted workforce; a growing number of elective care waiting lists; and growing demand for urgent and emergency care.

“In order to meet these challenges, we need urgent action, and a rapid review would provide quick, insightful information and help us to learn and prepare the health system ahead of winter and any prospective subsequent waves.”

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LOCKDOWN LOCKS CUT FOR CHARITY

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ight-year-old Josh Purkis from Birmingham has cut his waist length hair in support of two charities that helped his family when his little sister was taken seriously ill with a brain tumour.

Josh had been growing his hair since 2019 when his sister Verity lost hers from having chemotherapy. He has so far raised over £1,916 for Ronald McDonald House Charities UK and is donating his luscious locks to The Little Princess Trust.

The Purkis family were on holiday on the Isle of Wight when Josh’s sister became poorly and

was transferred to Southampton Children’s hospital. She was diagnosed with a brain tumour and immediately operated on.

The family, 130 miles from their home in Birmingham, were given a room in Ronald McDonald House Southampton so they could be close to Verity during her treatment. The 52-bedroom House, situated within minutes’ walk of the hospital wards, kept the family together during a critical time.

Of their support for Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, Abi, Josh’s mum, said: ‘When Verity was taken ill on holiday in the Isle of Wight she had to

be transferred to Southampton hospital where she underwent two brain surgeries to remove as much of her tumour as possible.

Through the Ronald McDonald House Southampton we were given a room in the House next to the hospital. This meant that Josh, his brother Ben, and their Dad were able to visit Verity and me during her stay, and also gave me a place to rest and recuperate when Verity was being looked after by family or in surgery.

“The use of this room and access to the facilities at the Ronald McDonald House meant we could still see each other and be together as a family at such a difficult time,

The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2021 - Page 39

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

especially as we were all still in shock and grieving the death of my eldest sister Liz. We have always been so grateful to Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, Josh has decided he wants to donate any money he raises from cutting his hair, as a way of saying a huge thank you to them.”

Ronald McDonald House Charities UK has twelve Houses across the UK situated in or near hospital grounds to enable seriously ill children to have their families close by when they are undergoing treatment and to maintain a degree of normal family life.

l Eight-year-old Josh Purkis and his sister Verity

Staff Should Not Be Forced To Leave The NHS Against Their Will Says Unison TWO WEST MIDLANDS health trusts must reconsider plans to force around 150 IT staff to move to a new private company, affecting their future pay and employment rights, says UNISON. The employees at South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust and George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust have been told that if they don’t accept new contracts, they could lose their jobs, says the union.

Staff are united in their opposition to the move, which could lead to them slipping behind Trust colleagues when any future national pay awards are agreed, and amounts to ‘backdoor privatisation.’ The two employers intend to move the workers to a wholly owned subsidiary company, created to sell IT services to other NHS organisations.

They would no longer be NHS employees, putting at risk the pay protection and rights they currently have, and the trusts could well sell the company to any

private concern in the future, says UNISON. Several trusts around England have dropped similar moves in recent months after facing opposition.

UNISON West Midlands regional organiser Mike Wilson, the union’s lead representative for the two trusts, said: “The employers have claimed that these dedicated IT staff lack commitment to the health service, but it’s simply not true.

“These workers are just as passionate about the NHS as any member of the frontline clinical staff. They are proud to be playing their part working for the health service and want to stay.

“The creation of companies like this is simply backdoor privatisation. The pandemic has shown how much the public cherish the NHS and all the staff who to deliver its services. The last thing they want to see is for the health service to be broken up.

“Employers must rethink these plans and respect the staff’s wishes to remain as NHS employees.”

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Page 40 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2021

OVERSEAS NEWS

l Bill and Melinda Gates

Bill And Melinda Gates Divorce After 27 Years Of Marriage BILL AND MELINDA GATES say they are getting divorced after 27 years of marriage, with the pair writing on Twitter: "We no longer believe we can grow together as a couple.

"After a great deal of thought and a lot of work on our relationship, we have made the decision to end our marriage."

The two met in the late 1980s, when Melinda joined Bill's Microsoft firm, and they have three children and jointly run the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation organisation which has spent billions fighting causes such as infectious diseases and encouraging vaccinations in children.

The Gates' - along with investor Warren Buffett - are behind the Giving Pledge, which calls on billionaires to commit to giving away the majority of their wealth to good causes. Bill Gates is the

fourth wealthiest person in the world, according to Forbes, and is worth $124 billion.

He made his money through the firm he co-founded in the 1970s, Microsoft, the world's biggest software company.

The pair both posted the statement announcing their divorce on Twitter.

"Over the last 27 years, we have raised three incredible children and built a foundation that works all over the world to enable all people to lead healthy, productive lives," it read.

"We continue to share a belief in that mission and will continue our work together at the foundation, but we no longer believe we can grow together as a couple in the next phase of our lives.

"We ask for space and privacy for our family as we begin to navigate this new life."

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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6 YEAR OLD THE YOUNGEST TO HAVE PRODUCTS SOLD IN WALMART L ily Adeleye is once again making history at the age of 6. As the founder of Lily Frilly, a popular girl's fashion brand, she is now the youngest entrepreneur to have a brand being sold in Walmart stores.

It comes just barely one year she made history as the youngest person to have her products sold in Target stores nationwide.

Her Florida-based company recently launched exclusive designs of the brand's products into 1,102 Walmart stores and on their website. The new colourful

and stylish hair bow designs include Gold & Glitter, Galaxy Girl, Safari Party, and Candy Rush.

Lily and her mother, Courtney Adeleye, who is also an entrepreneur, are both excited about their second historic retailer launch. They hope the brand could inspire other little girls to dream big and be confident to achieve it, while at the same time keeping their cuteness.

"Lily Frilly started out as a brand my daughter Lily and myself created, as I have always believed it's important to let your children

follow their passions, whether that be art, sports or in this case, growing a business," Courtney said in a statement.

"Now, Lily Frilly has become so much more than just that – it's become a brand children love, as

well as a symbol of inspiration and confidence for young girls as well as for the black community. It's amazing to see what kids can do, and we're so glad Walmart is providing this platform to give Lily Frilly the room and attention it warrants."

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2021 - Page 41

HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL

SURPRISING SINGAPORE

Adrian de Redman

W

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

ith Singapore being added to the UK's green list, now is the perfect time to start reimagining that big trip to the 'city in a garden' for when the country's borders fully open to UK travellers.

Asia's premier hub continues to add new exciting events, openings and attractions ready to welcome visitors when the time is right.

The Singapore Food Festival (SFF) is gearing up to host its 28th edition this summer. Taking place from 27 August to 12 September, SFF is Singapore’s only event dedicated to local cuisine and local F&B talent, celebrating the best of Singapore’s food culture – from haute cuisine to UNESCO-listed Hawker Culture.

At SFF 2021, foodies across the globe can experience an unforgettable showcase of culinary delights, with virtual tours, live masterclasses and exclusive food bundles to be

enjoyed from home.

At last year’s event, local food luminaries like Wong Ah Yoke and Violet Oon shared culinary insights on Peranakan cuisine; whilst Michelin-starred chef, Emmanuel Stroobant, harmoniously brought diverse cultures into a single dish; and culinary legend, Chef Julien Royer (Odette), delved into the realm of farmed and foraged produce.

Singapore restaurant, The English House, owned by British Chef Marco Pierre White will commemorate the third anniversary of the death of American Chef Anthony Bourdain with a special exhibition and dining menu.

Throughout the month of June, a collection of over 50 artefacts from the late chef will be on display at the restaurant, located along Singapore’s Mohamed Sultan Road.

These artefacts are part of a collection of items that Bourdain collected throughout his global travels.

As well as the exhibition, The English House will also feature a special dining menu which will pay tribute to Bourdain’s life; who was considered one of the world’s first and most influential celebrity chefs.

The Chinatown Heritage Centre, managed by Singapore Tourism Board (STB), will reopen this month, following renovation and enhancement works.

The centre, located within three beautifully restored shophouses on Pagoda Street, is a time capsule that holds stories of Singapore’s past.

It is an ideal gateway for all visitors to trace the footsteps of Singapore’s early pioneers and discover the personal stories of the people who made Chinatown their home.

In addition to its exhibits, the space holds various workshops and story-telling sessions for future visitors who are on their own voyage of discovery.

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Page 42 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2021

PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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ARCHITECT SHOWS BORIS HOW TO DO A FLAT REFURB ON TIME AND ON BUDGET A

Johnson Johnrose

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

rchitect HOKO Design has shown Prime Minister Boris Johnson that £30,000 is more than enough to create a dream Downing Street dwelling.

The talented team at HOKO drafted a mood board for Number 11 Downing Street – packed with a host of high-end practical features to match the demands of private and public life as the nation’s premier.

Stand out features in the design – of course deliverable on time and on budget – include an ‘oven-ready’ kitchen, perfect for delivering on promises of a top-notch dinner; door closers to ensure those important conversations remain private; and a sound-proofed walls to ensure neighbours aren’t disturbed at any

time day or night. There is also the option of a zip line next door to Number 10 – but be sure to wear suitable safety equipment.

Danny Campbell, founder at HOKO, a full-service architecture to interior design firm which opened a studio in Birmingham this year, said: “The Prime Minister could have saved himself a lot of time and hassle had he come to HOKO. “Like many in the UK I was shocked at the suggestion £200,000 be needed to refurbish any flat – even in one of London’s most exclusive areas – and we are more than willing to show what is possible for the very generous £30,000 afforded by the people of this nation.

“As with every project, we have carefully taken the personal and professional requirements of the client into consideration, and created a design fit for the lifestyle of the Prime Minister and his family.

“We will of course be able to deliver it on time and on budget, and with all aspects of the project from concept to completion delivered by HOKO and its partners. Mr Johnson will be able to sleep easy in our hands, free from nightmares of any kind.”

Other homeowners wondering what an architect’s eye could bring to their interior design desires also need wait no more thanks to the latest innovation from HOKO – described as ‘Uber for architecture’.

Ministers To Make It Easier To ‘Turn Shops Into Homes’ MINISTERS WANT to turn boarded-up High Street shops into new flats and houses as the UK government was set to launch a consultation into possible changes to planning regulations, making it easier to convert a commercial property into a residential one.

Communities Minister Brandon Lewis outlined the scheme when he said: "If we change some areas to allow them to be residential, we increase the footfall for the town centre."

Ministers in the Department of Communities and Local Government say creative thinking is needed because the way people shop has changed, with the rise in internet shopping

To advertise

and changes in lifestyle and working patterns.

"We need to think creatively about how to help town centres thrive in this new era," Planning Minister Nick Boles has said.

"We want to encourage... retail activity into the prime shopping streets in the heart of their town centres and adopt a more relaxed approach to underused retail frontages.”

Mr Lewis said that changing planning regulations could remove the blight of empty shops while providing much needed new housing. The government has backed the Portas Pilot project which has seen towns awarded a share of a £1.2m pot to find innovative ways to

0208 865 1922 (London)

regenerate the High Street.

Minister Lewis denied the new idea was an admission of defeat for that scheme, saying instead that the separate plans dovetailed nicely to play another part in making sure we've got healthy and sustainable town centres and market places".

He added: "Some shops have struggled and, in some places, they will be in residential areas already,'' before emphasising that it will be up to each council to decide what happens in their area.

Matthew Hopkinson from the Local Data Company, which monitors High Street occupancy and vacancy rates, warned any changes must be made in conjunction with other economic developments.

"There's no point converting shops to residential if you don't have the jobs and infrastructure that make people want to go and live there." he said. "The reality is, if a place does not operate economically people won't have the money to spend in shops."

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2021 - Page 43

SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS

How Sports Celebrated Eid Whilst Enjoying Competition

l German gymnast Sarah Voss

ATHLETE SARAH VOSS HOPING FULL-BODY SUITS MAKE YOUNG GYMNASTS FEEL SAFE

G

erman athlete Sarah Voss says she wants to be a ‘role model for young gymnasts who don't feel very safe in every situation’ after recently competing in a full-body suit at the European Championships.

Her outfit defied convention as previously women and girls had only covered their legs in international competition for religious reasons. Voss hopes others will follow her lead.

She said: "It does not say that everyone should do it, it just says that everyone can do whatever they want." Voss said the project had been a year in the making.

The 21-year-old added: "If they feel safe they can wear a normal leotard if they like it. If there is a certain point they think they would feel better in a long leotard, then they should do it.

"For me, it doesn't say I have to wear a long leotard in the future every time. It depends on how I am feeling and how I'd like to perform."

Two of the German's teammates, Kim Bui and Elisabeth Seitz, also wore the full-body suit - which cover the athletes' legs to the ankles - during the women's all-around final.

The German federation said its gymnasts were taking a stand against sexualisation in gymnastics. The International Gymnastics Federation rules allow competitors to wear a onepiece leotard with full-length legs, provided it is of elegant design.

"To do splits and jumps, sometimes the leotards are not covering everything, sometimes they slip and that's why we invented a new form of leotard so

AS THE BLESSED Holy Month of Ramadan came to an end, under current coronavirus restrictions, large celebrations were not allowed, so although restrictions are soon due to ease, people were being reminded to follow the rules to limit the spread of the virus.

While Eid al-Fitr marked the end - where people would traditionally be getting together to celebrate the end of dawn-to-dusk fasting with large scale events, festival food and prayer - in sport, the effect of continuing to fast while competing is fast making people more accepting and compassionate for religious beliefs and followers.

Lower down the football ‘foodchain’, those (faith and sporting) values were equally highlighted in Birmingham, in the UK. During Ramadan Saltley Stallions Football Club offered matches every week to Muslims to get together to play football late at night after the daily fasting. The league was launched in 2018 and this year the games were played outside for the first time.

The Club’s founder, Obayed Hussain, who also the founded the Midnight Ramadan League, said: "Ramadan was a time to concentrate on wellbeing and fitness, so we wanted to provide a regular outlet and space for our players to socialise safely.

“It was a pleasure to lead and watch everyone dedicate themselves to fasting and training during this special month.”

that everyone feels safe around competitions and training," Voss explained.

"Every time you don't feel safe it's distracting you from what you want to perform. I think that feeling safe and not thinking about what other people can or cannot see is quite relieving when you can compete like that.

"Some girls quit this beautiful sport because of having to wear leotards so that is why this is a great option for everyone to stay in the sport they love and don't think about anything else about their body - just about their performance."

British-Jamaican gymnast Danusia Francis said: “The suits gives the power of choice back to the athletes and could open the door for more women in the sport.”

BAL Attracting Millions To The Game In Africa

AFTER BEING delayed by Covid for over a year, Africa's new basketball league finally tipped-off with the continent’s top sides faced-off in the newly-formed professional competition.

Designed to promote the sport, drive economic growth and unearth rising talent, the Basketball Africa League (BAL) - backed by the NBA, who is helping to organise a league outside of the United States for the first time - sees 12 featured teams, from 12 countries, in a competition which replaces the old Africa

Basketball League, another pan-African club tournament, which had been running since 1971.

The 12 teams involved are the national champions from Angola, Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia – who were all guaranteed a spot, with representatives from Algeria, Cameroon, Madagascar, Mali, Mozambique and Rwanda, with the other six teams having to go through qualifying rounds.

President of newly-formed BAL side Patriots, Brian Kirungi, said: "Now they

can touch and feel basketball in their own arena. I see a huge potential - attract more investment, more partners, the corporate world in Africa to say: 'look, we are taking ourselves from an amateur to a professional stage'."

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Make young gymnasts feel safe - Page 43

BAL Attracting Millions To The Game In Africa - Page 43

HOW READY IS JAPAN FOR TOKYO 2020 OLYMPICS? T

he countdown to the delayed Tokyo Olympics is on with days to go to the opening ceremony on July 23.

But how prepared are Japan and Team GB and what will a Games amid a global pandemic look like?

Venues and stadiums are ready.

However, some of the traditional preparatory test events have been affected by Covid-related concerns.

For plans of how the Games might look, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) released a first draft of its 'playbook' explaining the many rules that must be followed in order to ensure a safe and successful event this summer.

Among the measures include a request that spectators refrain from singing or cheering and instead only clap for competitors.

Physical contact between athletes,

for example hugging and shaking hands, will also be prohibited.

Teams have been asked to minimise their delegation headcount and they will have to adhere to strict guidance on hygiene, social distancing and testing. Travel within Japan for all accredited participants will be restricted and will be limited to using official transport, and only between their accommodation and training and competition venues.

Visits to tourist sites, shops and restaurants are forbidden.

In March, IOC president Thomas Bach said: "The question is not whether, the question is how these Olympic Games will take place." Until then, comments from some local officials and other prominent stakeholders appeared to leave the door of doubt ajar.

The Japanese government, though, said reports that they had privately conceded that the

Games had to be cancelled were "categorically untrue".

The public in Japan also seem to be harbouring their own reservations regarding the Games going ahead.

Various opinion polls over the last year have consistently revealed that the majority of Japanese citizens are not in favour - albeit dissenting voices have gone down from around 80% to just under 60% in the most recent survey.

Among the many protocols outlined in order to manage the risk of Covid infections - which has been much less severe than in many other countries around the world, including the United Kingdom - the biggest has been the decision to prohibit international spectators and volunteers from travelling to Japan for the Games.

Organisers could even limit numbers of local spectators.

BCCI Say World Cup Could Be Moved To United Arab Emirates

T

his year's Twenty20 World Cup could be moved to the United Arab Emirates if India continues to suffer with a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

The tournament is due to begin in October, but the Covid death toll in India has passed 200,000, with at least 300,000 new infections every day in the

past week. Last week, India joined the UK's travel red list effectively banning travel to and from the country. Other countries - including Australia - have also closed their borders to India.

Dhiraj Malhotra, general manager for game development with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), said he is hopeful India could still host the T20 World Cup. "I've

just been named one of the tournament directors, so I'm doing everything we can to make sure it happens.

"We will be doing normal scenario, and worst-case scenario, so with all that we're talking to the ICC at the moment."

Australia will host a T20 World Cup in 2022, postponed from last year due to the pandemic.

When asked whether there

is a country earmarked as the contingency, Malhotra said: "It would be the UAE. We're hoping again that it would be done by the BCCI. So, we'll take the tournament there, but it'll still be done by the BCCI." Meanwhile, Malhotra says India's cricket governing body will go with

"common sentiment" on whether the Indian Premier League continues.

The IPL - the world's richest Twenty20 league - is currently taking place in India with the final set for 30 May. Australia cricketers Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson

have withdrawn from the IPL and the tournament has faced calls for a suspension.

Malhotra added: "There's not been any clear implication of any clear directive that it is bad to host the IPL, or good to host the IPL."

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INSIDE BACK

BE PART OF IT The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is looking for over

13,000 VOLUNTEERS to help deliver the biggest sporting and cultural event the West Midlands has ever seen From 1st June 2021 Apply online, it’ll take around 20 minutes to complete

September – December 2021 Interviews will take place at the Volunteer Selection Centre

April 2022 Attend at least three training sessions to prepare for the Games

28th July – 8th August 2022 Commit to a minimum of eight shifts at the Games

JOIN THE COMMONWEALTH COLLECTIVE

Find out more and apply at birmingham2022.com